DIL1231 INTRODUCTION TO LAW - SEM 1 (2025/2026)
Class
Lessons
Here is the class outline:
1. LANGUAGE AND HANDLING LEGAL SOURCESLanguage and handling legal sources refers to the ability to use clear legal language and properly refer to legal authorities when studying or writing about law. Handling legal sources also involves knowing how to identify, interpret, and cite sources of law such as legislation, case law, textbooks, and journal articles. 3 sections
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2. CLASSIFICATION OF LAWClassification of law refers to the way law is divided into different categories to make it easier to understand and apply. One common classification is public law and private law. Law can also be classified into substantive law and procedural law. 3 sections
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3. RULES OF LANGUAGE OR MAXIMSRules of language or legal maxims are short Latin phrases or principles used in law to express important legal rules in a simple way. Some common legal maxims include: Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea – an act does not make a person guilty unless there is a guilty mind (used in criminal law). Ignorantia juris non excusat – ignorance of the law is not an excuse. 2 sections
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4. MAJOR LEGAL SYSTEMS IN THE WORLDThe major legal systems in the world refer to the main types of legal traditions used by different countries to govern their societies. The most common system is the Common Law system, which originated in England and is used in countries such as the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and the United States. Another major system is the Civil Law system, used in countries like France, Germany, and Japan. Civil law is mainly based on written codes and statutes, and judges apply these codes rather than relying heavily on past cases. 5 sections
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5. SOURCES OF LAW IN MALAYSIASources of law in Malaysia refer to where the country’s laws come from. The main source is the Federal Constitution, which is the highest law of the land. Malaysia also follows common law, which means decisions made by judges in previous cases can be used as guidance in later cases. 4 sections
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6. ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICEAdministration of justice refers to the system and process by which the law is applied and enforced through the courts. In Malaysia, the administration of justice is carried out by a hierarchy of courts, such as the Magistrates’ Court, Sessions Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, and Federal Court. 3 sections
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7. LAW MAKING PROCESS IN MALAYSIAThe law-making process in Malaysia takes place in Parliament, which consists of two main houses: 1️⃣ Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) 2️⃣ Dewan Negara (Senate) 3 sections
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8. LEGAL PROFESSION IN MALAYSIAThe legal profession in Malaysia consists mainly of advocates and solicitors, who are lawyers qualified to advise clients and represent them in court. Besides lawyers in private practice, the legal profession also includes judges, public prosecutors, legal advisers, and in-house counsel. 3 sections
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