Module 1 | Module 2 | Module 3 | Module 4 | Module 5 | Portfolio
ObjectivesAt the end of this module you should be able to: • Summarise what you
learnt regarding this introduction to the legal system |
Because a criminal record can do so much damage, our laws provide many protections
to be sure that no one is wrongly convicted of a crime. When a suspect is arrested,
he has the right to contact his family or friends to let them know what has
happened and to obtain the services of a lawyer. He is brought as soon as possible
(usually within 24 hours) before a magistrate or a justice.
The magistrate or justice listens to the arresting policeman's story and decides
whether there is enough evidence to go further with the case. He explains to
the accused person the charge that is being made against him and advises him
of his legal right to bring in a lawyer and to present witnesses. If the accused
person cannot afford a lawyer, he may ask the court to appoint one to defend
him free of charge. And he is told if his case is one that will be dealt with
in the lower courts or if he must be tried before a judge and jury.
If he has to appear before the judge and jury, his lawyer and the prosecutor
will try to bring out all the facts of the case, and a jury of twelve people
will decide whether or not he committed the crime. They must all agree on the
verdict; he cannot be convicted if even one juror believes he is not guilty.
In our country, the rights of an accused person to a fair trial are just as
important as the rights of the persons who were injured by the crime.
Laws are made for the good of us all. Respect for and obedience to these laws
enable us to live together safely and peacefully. We want our rights protected,
so we must protect the rights of others. All of this sounds pretty serious.
And it is! Let's take a last look at the whole subject from your point of view.
Let's get practical again.
This is your major assignment. The great thing about this assignment is that
you would have created most of it over time via task one. Now all you have to
do is present it in a portfolio in the following way:
Portfolio: Summarise and reflect discussion Now that you have completed the reading all modules, I would like all of you wonderful bright students to go to the final discussion activity. This is the final assignment. It is basically to sum up what you have learnt and discuss it with your peers. This is it, you final project. I hope you have been completing this as a work in progress throughout the session ;) |
Module
1 | Module 2 | Module
3 | Module 4 | Module
5 | Portfolio