Lecture 1 Introduction to Law.pptVIP

Lecture 1: Introduction to Law a) Define law and explain the classifications of law b) Discuss the types of law c) Fundamental Liberties Prepared by: Ambikai S T Singam Advocate Solicitor High Court of Malaya Syllabus / Contents for the Module Module Overview Assessment Format Tutorials Definition of law To a layman, law is understood as being a general rule of conduct. The English Oxford dictionary defines law as “the body of rules (enacted or customary) recognised by a community as binding. According to the positivist, John Austin describes law as a command set by superior being to an inferior being and enforced by sanction. The Black’s dictionary of law defines “law as …….that which is laid down, ordained or established. A rule or method according to which phenomenon or co-exists or follow each other. That which must be obeyed and followed by citizens, subject to sanctions or legal consequences” CLASSIFICATIONS OF LAW PUBLIC LAW law which governs the relationship between individuals and the state subdivided into two categories: constitutional law lays down the rights of individuals in the state criminal law codifies the various offences committed by individuals against the State PRIVATE LAW matters that affect the rights and duties of individuals amongst themselves intended to give compensation to persons injured, to enable property to be recovered from wrongdoers, and to enforce obligations (contracts and trusts) covers: Contract Tort Trust  INTERNATIONAL LAW body of law which is composed for its greater part of the principles and rules of conduct which states feel themselves bound to observe, consequently commonly do observe, in their relations with each other divided into public international law and private international law. Public international law is the law that prevails between States Private international law is part of municipal law as a result of which in every cou