UNIVERSITY OF IRINGA (UoI)

LW 104: LEGAL METHOD I

SEMINAR QUESTIONS

Instructions
1. Questions carry 20 Marks
2. Write both your Names and Registration Numbers on the cover page.
3. Font and Font Size: Times New Roman 12
4. 1.5 spacing; maximum pages 5 (excluding preliminary pages).

Questions

1. In the course of a discussion one LL.B I student remarked that it was

indeed difficulty if not impossible, to define the term law. Discuss.

2. Discuss the significance of Legal Method subject to a law student.

3. Legal research and legal writing are two sides of the same coin. Discuss.

4. “The customary laws of this country now have the same status in our
courts as any other law, subject to the Constitution and any statutory
law that may provide to the contrary.” Nyalali, C.J., in Maagwi Kimito v
Gibeno Werema [1985] TLR 132.
Discuss the above statement.

5. Discuss the sine quo non conditions for the applicability of received law
as one of the sources of law in Tanzania.

6. Discuss fully the significance of Glanville Williams Learning the Law to a

law student.

7. There is a debate on legal language some arguing that it is too complex to

be understood by the people to whom it is intended for while others
argue that there are great dangers in simplifying legal language as even
simple things are complicated. Discuss these two debates showing
clearly their arguments.

8. The language of the law is generally described as wordy, unclear,

pompous and dull. Augment the above contention with examples and
show how Judge Mark P Painter’s “How to write for Judges and not as
Judges” or 30 Rules to Improve Readability improves legal writing.
 9. Compare and contrast Kadume’s case and Drumming the scandal among
the Tiv as methods of dispute settlement and show their relevancy, if
any, in resolving disputes in our contemporary societies.

10. Discuss the differences, if any, between courts of law and tribunals as
institutions for resolving disputes in our contemporary societies.