SCL1501 SKILLS COURSE FOR LAW STUDENTS: MOST ASKED EXAM AND ASSIGNMENT
TOPICS — A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE FOR ASSIGNMENT 1
SCL1501
Skills Course for Law Students
Assignment 1 | Comprehensive Study Guide | UNISA
QUICK REFERENCE: EXAM FREQUENCY TABLE
QUESTION 1 — Most Recurring Topics
1. The Concept of Law
Law is a system of rules governing human conduct that is recognised and enforced by the state. This
distinguishes law from other social norms such as moral, religious, or customary rules — only law can be
compelled by state authority.
KEY Law is sine qua non (an essential condition) for human interaction. Without law, society
PHRASE would be chaotic and individual rights would be unprotected.
Distinctions you must know:
• Legal rules vs Moral rules: morality cannot be enforced by the state.
• Legal rules vs Religious rules: religion applies to believers only; law applies to everyone.
• Law is backed by the coercive power of the state — non-compliance carries consequences.
2. The Freedom Charter & The Constitution of South Africa
The 1955 Freedom Charter laid the ideological groundwork for the post-apartheid constitutional order. Many of
its core principles were later enshrined as constitutional rights in the 1996 Constitution.
Key connections to know:
• Freedom Charter (1955): 'The People Shall Govern' — maps to Chapter 1 of the Constitution
(democratic governance, rule of law).
• 'All National Groups Shall Have Equal Rights' — maps to s 9 (Equality Clause, Bill of Rights).
• 'The Land Shall Be Shared Among Those Who Work It' — links to s 25 (Property Rights) of the
Constitution.
SCL1501 Study Guide — UNISA | For Educational Use Only | Page 1
, • 'All Shall Be Equal Before the Law' — maps to s 9 of the Constitution.
Always connect the Freedom Charter to specific sections of the Constitution. Vague
EXAM TIP
answers score poorly.
3. Statutory Interpretation (Sea Transport Documents Act 65 of 2000)
This Act is frequently used to test your ability to read and interpret legislation. Key skills:
Long Title of an Act
The Long Title describes the purpose and scope of the Act — NOT its detailed content. It answers 'What is this
Act about and why was it passed?'
Preamble of an Act
A Preamble is an introductory statement explaining the background, context, and reasons for the legislation. Not
all Acts have a preamble.
Finding Definitions in an Act
When you encounter an unknown term in legislation, your FIRST step is to check the definitions section of that
same Act (usually section 1). Acts often define terms for their own specific purposes, which may differ from
ordinary meanings.
Always check the definitions section (s 1) of the specific Act before consulting external
RULE
dictionaries or other sources.
QUESTION 2 — Most Recurring Topics
1. The Social Contract
The social contract is a foundational political and legal concept. It describes an unwritten agreement among
citizens to surrender certain freedoms to a governing authority in exchange for protection, order, and the
preservation of remaining rights.
Key philosophers and their views:
• Thomas Hobbes: Without a social contract, life would be 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.'
Citizens surrender all rights to an absolute sovereign.
• John Locke: Citizens retain natural rights (life, liberty, property) and can overthrow government if it fails
to protect them.
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau: The social contract must reflect the 'general will' of all citizens.
SCL1501 Study Guide — UNISA | For Educational Use Only | Page 2
TOPICS — A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE FOR ASSIGNMENT 1
SCL1501
Skills Course for Law Students
Assignment 1 | Comprehensive Study Guide | UNISA
QUICK REFERENCE: EXAM FREQUENCY TABLE
QUESTION 1 — Most Recurring Topics
1. The Concept of Law
Law is a system of rules governing human conduct that is recognised and enforced by the state. This
distinguishes law from other social norms such as moral, religious, or customary rules — only law can be
compelled by state authority.
KEY Law is sine qua non (an essential condition) for human interaction. Without law, society
PHRASE would be chaotic and individual rights would be unprotected.
Distinctions you must know:
• Legal rules vs Moral rules: morality cannot be enforced by the state.
• Legal rules vs Religious rules: religion applies to believers only; law applies to everyone.
• Law is backed by the coercive power of the state — non-compliance carries consequences.
2. The Freedom Charter & The Constitution of South Africa
The 1955 Freedom Charter laid the ideological groundwork for the post-apartheid constitutional order. Many of
its core principles were later enshrined as constitutional rights in the 1996 Constitution.
Key connections to know:
• Freedom Charter (1955): 'The People Shall Govern' — maps to Chapter 1 of the Constitution
(democratic governance, rule of law).
• 'All National Groups Shall Have Equal Rights' — maps to s 9 (Equality Clause, Bill of Rights).
• 'The Land Shall Be Shared Among Those Who Work It' — links to s 25 (Property Rights) of the
Constitution.
SCL1501 Study Guide — UNISA | For Educational Use Only | Page 1
, • 'All Shall Be Equal Before the Law' — maps to s 9 of the Constitution.
Always connect the Freedom Charter to specific sections of the Constitution. Vague
EXAM TIP
answers score poorly.
3. Statutory Interpretation (Sea Transport Documents Act 65 of 2000)
This Act is frequently used to test your ability to read and interpret legislation. Key skills:
Long Title of an Act
The Long Title describes the purpose and scope of the Act — NOT its detailed content. It answers 'What is this
Act about and why was it passed?'
Preamble of an Act
A Preamble is an introductory statement explaining the background, context, and reasons for the legislation. Not
all Acts have a preamble.
Finding Definitions in an Act
When you encounter an unknown term in legislation, your FIRST step is to check the definitions section of that
same Act (usually section 1). Acts often define terms for their own specific purposes, which may differ from
ordinary meanings.
Always check the definitions section (s 1) of the specific Act before consulting external
RULE
dictionaries or other sources.
QUESTION 2 — Most Recurring Topics
1. The Social Contract
The social contract is a foundational political and legal concept. It describes an unwritten agreement among
citizens to surrender certain freedoms to a governing authority in exchange for protection, order, and the
preservation of remaining rights.
Key philosophers and their views:
• Thomas Hobbes: Without a social contract, life would be 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.'
Citizens surrender all rights to an absolute sovereign.
• John Locke: Citizens retain natural rights (life, liberty, property) and can overthrow government if it fails
to protect them.
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau: The social contract must reflect the 'general will' of all citizens.
SCL1501 Study Guide — UNISA | For Educational Use Only | Page 2
