LAW
CRW1501 & PVL1501 —
Complete Study Notes
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA (UNISA)
Criminal Law · Law of Persons · Constitutional Foundations
Full Definitions | Case Law | Latin Terms | Exam Tips
Semester 1 & 2 | All Units Covered | 2024/2025
, TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART A FOUNDATIONS OF SOUTH AFRICAN LAW
Unit 1 Introduction to Law 3
Unit 2 Sources of South African Law 5
Unit 3 The Constitution & Bill of Rights 7
PART B CRW1501 — CRIMINAL LAW
Unit 4 Introduction to Criminal Law 9
Unit 5 Elements of a Crime 11
Unit 6 Specific Crimes 15
Unit 7 Criminal Defences 18
PART C PVL1501 — LAW OF PERSONS
Unit 8 Legal Subjectivity & Personhood 21
Unit 9 Commencement & End of Personality 23
Unit 10 Legal Capacity & Status 25
APPENDIX Latin Terms & Quick Reference 27
, UNIT 1 Introduction to Law
What is law and why does it exist?
1.1 Definition of Law
Law is a system of rules and norms created and enforced by the state to regulate human behaviour
and maintain order in society. Without law, social chaos would prevail — there would be no
mechanism to protect rights, settle disputes, or punish wrongdoing.
Key Definitions
Law A binding set of rules imposed and enforced by the state to govern
conduct in society.
Legal Rule A rule of conduct that is recognised and enforced by courts.
Jurisprudence The philosophy and study of law — why law exists and how it should
work.
Legal System The complete set of laws, courts, and legal institutions in a country.
Positive Law Law that is actually in force in a specific country at a specific time.
Natural Law Law based on universal moral principles, higher than man-made law.
1.2 Divisions of Law
Division Definition Examples
Public Law Regulates relationship between Criminal law, constitutional law,
the STATE and individuals administrative law
Private Law Regulates relationships Contract law, delict, family law,
between PRIVATE property law
INDIVIDUALS
Substantive Law Defines rights and duties — the What acts are crimes; what
content of law constitutes a valid contract
Procedural Law Rules on HOW law is enforced How to bring a case, rules of
in court evidence, appeals
1.3 Branches of Private Law (Key for Exams)
CRW1501 & PVL1501 —
Complete Study Notes
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA (UNISA)
Criminal Law · Law of Persons · Constitutional Foundations
Full Definitions | Case Law | Latin Terms | Exam Tips
Semester 1 & 2 | All Units Covered | 2024/2025
, TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART A FOUNDATIONS OF SOUTH AFRICAN LAW
Unit 1 Introduction to Law 3
Unit 2 Sources of South African Law 5
Unit 3 The Constitution & Bill of Rights 7
PART B CRW1501 — CRIMINAL LAW
Unit 4 Introduction to Criminal Law 9
Unit 5 Elements of a Crime 11
Unit 6 Specific Crimes 15
Unit 7 Criminal Defences 18
PART C PVL1501 — LAW OF PERSONS
Unit 8 Legal Subjectivity & Personhood 21
Unit 9 Commencement & End of Personality 23
Unit 10 Legal Capacity & Status 25
APPENDIX Latin Terms & Quick Reference 27
, UNIT 1 Introduction to Law
What is law and why does it exist?
1.1 Definition of Law
Law is a system of rules and norms created and enforced by the state to regulate human behaviour
and maintain order in society. Without law, social chaos would prevail — there would be no
mechanism to protect rights, settle disputes, or punish wrongdoing.
Key Definitions
Law A binding set of rules imposed and enforced by the state to govern
conduct in society.
Legal Rule A rule of conduct that is recognised and enforced by courts.
Jurisprudence The philosophy and study of law — why law exists and how it should
work.
Legal System The complete set of laws, courts, and legal institutions in a country.
Positive Law Law that is actually in force in a specific country at a specific time.
Natural Law Law based on universal moral principles, higher than man-made law.
1.2 Divisions of Law
Division Definition Examples
Public Law Regulates relationship between Criminal law, constitutional law,
the STATE and individuals administrative law
Private Law Regulates relationships Contract law, delict, family law,
between PRIVATE property law
INDIVIDUALS
Substantive Law Defines rights and duties — the What acts are crimes; what
content of law constitutes a valid contract
Procedural Law Rules on HOW law is enforced How to bring a case, rules of
in court evidence, appeals
1.3 Branches of Private Law (Key for Exams)
