Study Unit 1: What is Law?
• Key Topics: Definition of law, relevance in daily life, differences between legal
norms and other norms.
• Summary: Law is a set of rules established and enforced by the state to
regulate behaviour, maintain social order, resolve disputes, and protect
individual rights. It plays a fundamental role in society by providing a
predictable structure for addressing conflicts and ensuring justice. Unlike
social norms, which are based on customs and traditions, legal norms are
backed by formal institutions such as courts and law enforcement. Law is
integral in daily activities, from business transactions to family relationships,
ensuring stability and fairness.
• Practical Example: The Mothibe family deals with different legal matters in
their daily life. For instance, when Bongiwe starts school, they enter into a
contract with the school, demonstrating the relevance of contract law.
1
, Study Unit 2: Law and Rights
• Key Topics: Law vs. rights, different types of rights (real, personality,
intellectual, personal).
• Summary: Rights are the legally recognized interests that individuals have,
protected by law. These rights can be classified into different types:
o Real Rights: Rights related to ownership of property, such as owning a
house or a car.
o Personality Rights: Rights that protect aspects of a person's
personality, like privacy and dignity.
o Intellectual Rights: Rights related to creations of the mind, such as
patents and copyrights.
o Personal Rights: Rights that arise out of agreements or relationships,
such as contractual claims. Law ensures these rights are respected,
providing a legal framework that allows individuals to protect and
enforce their entitlements.
• Practical Example: Tom Mothibe owns his house, which is a real right. His
right to privacy within that property is a personality right, and his ability to
claim a service from a contractor is a personal right.
2
• Key Topics: Definition of law, relevance in daily life, differences between legal
norms and other norms.
• Summary: Law is a set of rules established and enforced by the state to
regulate behaviour, maintain social order, resolve disputes, and protect
individual rights. It plays a fundamental role in society by providing a
predictable structure for addressing conflicts and ensuring justice. Unlike
social norms, which are based on customs and traditions, legal norms are
backed by formal institutions such as courts and law enforcement. Law is
integral in daily activities, from business transactions to family relationships,
ensuring stability and fairness.
• Practical Example: The Mothibe family deals with different legal matters in
their daily life. For instance, when Bongiwe starts school, they enter into a
contract with the school, demonstrating the relevance of contract law.
1
, Study Unit 2: Law and Rights
• Key Topics: Law vs. rights, different types of rights (real, personality,
intellectual, personal).
• Summary: Rights are the legally recognized interests that individuals have,
protected by law. These rights can be classified into different types:
o Real Rights: Rights related to ownership of property, such as owning a
house or a car.
o Personality Rights: Rights that protect aspects of a person's
personality, like privacy and dignity.
o Intellectual Rights: Rights related to creations of the mind, such as
patents and copyrights.
o Personal Rights: Rights that arise out of agreements or relationships,
such as contractual claims. Law ensures these rights are respected,
providing a legal framework that allows individuals to protect and
enforce their entitlements.
• Practical Example: Tom Mothibe owns his house, which is a real right. His
right to privacy within that property is a personality right, and his ability to
claim a service from a contractor is a personal right.
2
