Professional Documents
Culture Documents
FACULTY OF LAW
LEARNING GUIDE
YEAR: 2024
CIVIL PROCEDURE A
(Module Code: LEC 411E/412E)
LECTURER(S): MS Y NGOBANE
LLB(UFH); LLM(UKZN); Practical Legal Training Certificate (LSSALEAD)
Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
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[Module Learning Guide: Civil Procedure A]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover Page 1
Table of Contents 2
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[Module Learning Guide: Civil Procedure A]
1. WELCOME STATEMENT
1.1 Welcome to Civil Procedure A, a semester course that focuses on the conduct of
action court proceedings. Action proceedings, also known as trial proceedings, are
based on the exchange of papers between the parties to the proceedings and
presentation of oral or viva voce evidence in court. The party institution the
proceedings is referred to as the plaintiff(s); the party against whom the proceedings
are instituted, if any, is known as the defendant(s). In this form of proceedings, the
main court papers that are exchanged between the parties are called pleadings. In
the main, the papers comprise of the summons, pleadings and notices.
1.2 The term pleading refers to a court document in which a party to proceedings in a
court of first instances is required by law to formulate in writing his case or part of
his case in preparation for the hearing. Pleadings are also defined as 'the written
statements of the parties served by each party in turn upon the other which must set
out in summary form the material facts on which each party relies in support of his
claim or defence, as the case may be.' In terms of the South African law the term
pleading is used in a restricted sense and it does not include documents such as
petitions, notices of motion, affidavits, simple summons, provisional summons or
writs of arrests. The purpose of pleadings is to define the issues between parties to
the proceedings. Through pleadings the parties draw the battle lines clearly so much
that the everybody, including the court, will be aware what the parties to the
litigation are fighting about.
1.3 Once pleadings are closed the parties will prepare for trial where evidence will be
presented in order to prove or disprove the issues between the parties. Unlike in
motion proceedings, during the trial witnesses are called and oral or viva voce
evidence is adduced.
1.4 Civil Procedure A seeks to empower learners with the relevant knowledge of the
procedure and rules relating to the conduct of action / trial proceedings in the
South African Courts. In its delivery, the course will also put more emphasis on
practical skills. It is designed primarily to equip learners who intend to join legal
practice as advocates or attorneys. Similarly, it will also empower learners who
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[Module Learning Guide: Civil Procedure A]
intend to pursue other career options such as being a legal advisers, etc. It will also
be beneficial to learners who intend to pursue postgraduate studies and research in
the areas of civil procedure or dispute resolution.
2. CONTACT DETAILS
Role Players
2.1 The names and contact details of the main role players are reflected herein below:
Level Co-ordinator -
(4th Year)
Manager: Student
Development Unit
Consultation Time:
2.2 The lecturer will be available for 1hr 30min (One hour Thirty minutes) after each
lecture should the learners have questions about the lecture. Learners are also
required to arrange andconfirm a formal appointment in advance via email in the
event that a consultation is required.
2.3 The consultation opportunity is exclusively for the purposes of discussing matters
pertaining to the module. For fruitful engagements, the learner must provide the
lecturer with details of the matters to be discussed in advance.
Communication
2.4 Email communication regarding this course must be done using the UFH official
email (students & staff email). WhatsApp group correspondence is not considered
to be an official communication medium. Any communication received through
WhatsApp and other unofficial means must be confirmed by UFH email.
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2.4 UFH uses the various Learning Management Systems such as the Blackboard, ITS, etc.
Blackboard is mainly used for teaching and assessment purposes. Course related
communication with students will also be done through Blackboard announcements,
which will be delivered to students’ UFH email address only. It is the student’s
responsibilities to check his/her UFH email regularly for important messages and
updates.
2.6 All communications must comply with the Electronic Mail Etiquette for UFH Law
Students.
3.3 In taking up the study of law, one embarks on the challenging process of becoming
a member of one of the oldest and most rewarding vocations that exists. Legal
training is steeped in a long tradition of liberalism. It develops skills in themastering
of facts and theory as well as in lucid and logical expression. A successful learner
will acquire these qualities and discover them to be greatly to his/her advantage in
his/her leadership role in society.
3.4 As a lawyer, the successful learner will enjoy a status shared by few others in the
society and have a wide choice of careers. He or she can practise as an attorney or
advocate, serve within the judiciary as prosecutor, magistrate or judge, or enter
government or the business world as legal advisor or senior executive.
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[Module Learning Guide: Civil Procedure A]
(a) a knowledge and appreciation of the values and principles enshrined in the
Constitution;
(b) a critical understanding of theories, concepts, principles, ethics, perspectives,
methodologies and procedures of the discipline of law;
(c) ability to apply the above appropriately to academic, professional and career
contexts; and,
(d) capacity to be accountable and take responsibility in academic, professional,
and relevant societal contexts.
3.6 The LLB degree seeks to prepare students for entry into legal practice; entry into a
wide range of other careers which require the application of law; and, for further
studies or post-graduate studies in law.
3.9 The credit value of LLB modules offered by the Faculty of Law at UFH falls into
three (3) categories, namely: 16 credits; 8 credits; and, 32 credits. This is in line with
the UFH standard practice. The standard UFH module is 16 credits, which is
equivalent to 160 notional hours over a semester.
3.10 With the exception of Legal Research Methodology (LRM 403E), all LLB modules
are offered in semester units. In compliance with the UFH standard practice, the
credit value for the most LLB modules is 16 credits. In addition to compulsory
courses, LLB students are required to complete 4 elective modules and the credit
value for each elective module is 8 credits. The Legal Research Methodology is the
only LLB module with 32 credits and which is offered for period of one academic
year. 8 credit modules are an exception to the standard UFH practice and it was
absolutely necessary that such variation be allowed.
3.11 For more information on levels; title of modules; codes; semesters; and, credits for
all the LLB modules see Faculty of Law Prospectus.
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3.10 The graduate attributes describe the qualities, attitudes, behaviours, values and
ethics built into the learning process, which learners are encouraged to take
responsibility for developing through their studies. Similar qualities will be
expected of the learners in practice.
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conduct of action / trial proceedings in the South African Courts. In its delivery, the
course will also put more emphasis on practical skills. It is designed primarily to
equip learners who intend to join legal practice as advocates or attorneys. Similarly,
it will also empower learners who intend to pursue other career options such as being
a legal advisers, etc. It will also be beneficial to learners who intend to pursue
postgraduate studies and research in the areas of civil procedure or dispute resolution.
Analyse fundamental Participation in Moot Court 1. Provide the learners with a real-world
concepts, principles and assignment where learners case for them to study and rules to
theories underpinning action will identify, analyse and follow in the process.
/ trial proceedings. apply fundamental concepts, 2. Do case analysis using guidelines and
principles and theories a framework provided by the lecturer.
underpinning motion The key features of analysis should
proceedings. comprise of facts analysis;
The assignment comprises of identification of issues and applicable
a real-world case for the learners law; and development of case theory.
to study its facts; do case Learners to post their case analysis
analysis; write heads of statements using blogs.
arguments / memorials; and, 3. In one section of the statement,
present legal arguments learners must ensure that they
orally. concretely discussed how the case
study illustrates application of
theoretical or background concepts
from course material.
4. Prepare two sets of heads of
arguments/memorials for both parties
to the dispute (one for the
plaintiff/applicant and one for the
defendant/defendant). Learners to post
their heads of arguments/memorials
on a Padlet wall.
5. Present the legal arguments orally in
class.
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[Module Learning Guide: Civil Procedure A]
Evaluate multiple sourcesof Designing and producing a 3- 1. Design the infographic on the sources
information relating to action page document explaining the of Civil Procedure ;
proceedings, relationship between the 2. Write legal briefs from the information
including legislations, following 3 sources of civil collected from different sources using
regulations, cases, courtrules procedure: legislation, case eBook;
& practices. law, court rules, practice note. 3. Compare the information gained from
different sources
4. Debate in class sharing their views
Create information relating Writing (drafting / drawing) a 1. Provide the learners with aviation
to action / trial proceedings legal opinion providing an problem (hypothetical or real case
and offer insights and adequate solution to based scenario) prescribed by the
solutions to problems and hypothetical or real case lecturer.
issues relating to civil problems, using the 2. Identify all the legal issues between the
proceedings. knowledge drawn from Civil parties.
Procedure A. 3. Conduct legal research and find thelaw
applicable to the issues identified.
4. Create the E booklet in relation to legal
problems and provide possible legal
solutions.
5. Use mind mapping to illustrate key
components of contemporary legal
challenges in aviation law.
Apply legal skills, Writing a well-structured, 1. Provide the learners with aviation
knowledge, methods and researched and reasoned related problem (hypothetical or real
techniques to identify, judgement or arbitration case based scenario) prescribed by the
analyse and solve complex award determining issues in a lecturer.
and diverse problem relating complex hypothetical 2. Identify all the legal issues between the
to civil proceedings. aviation dispute. In writing parties.
the judgement, learners must 3. Conduct legal research and find thelaw
apply IFILARO, LOPP and applicable to the issues identified.
FLOPP methods as patternsof 4. Write a well-structured, researched
analysis. and reasoned judgement or arbitration
award.
5. In writing the judgement, learners must
apply IFILARO, LOPP, FLOPP
methods as patterns of analysis.
Apply the relevant skills and Writing a research-based 1. Divide learners into small groups of 5
knowledge to demonstrate group assignment evaluating -10 members and be issued with group
ability to work with other contemporary issues in task.
learners as a team or group aviation law and regulation. 2. Conduct legal research and find the
in resolving action / Each learner contributes law applicable to the issues identified.
proceedings problems and meaningfully to the group 3. Writing a well-researched group task /
issues. output and attainment of assignment.
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[Module Learning Guide: Civil Procedure A]
Apply the necessary legal Writing an assignment / 1. The students must compile a fully
skills, knowledge and project where learners will referenced and comprehensive
methodology to an academic conduct legal research taking portfolio on selected aviation law on
and professional context in a into consideration the contemporary topics.
manner that is responsible, relevant ethical issues such 2. The written work should be fully
accountable and ethically avoiding plagiarism as well referenced in accordance with the
acceptable. as other forms of academic house style of the Faculty of Law
dishonesty. journal, Speculum Juris
5. COURSE CONTENTS
A. INTRODUCTION
A.1 Introduction: Civil Procedure within the broader SA Legal System
B. PRELIMINARY ISSUES
B.1 Preliminary Cause of Action; Jurisdiction; Non Locus Standi in Judicio; Res
Considerations: judicata / Arbitration; Non joinder / misjoinder; Prescription;
Premature Summons
B.2 Pre-Litigation Issues: Demand; Service of Documents; Calculation of Time Limits; Action
or Application Proceeding
C. PARTIES: Joinder; Consolidation; Intervention; Third Party Procedure; Change
of Parties; Partnerships, Firms; and, Representation of Parties
D. PLEADINGS
D1. Pleadings: Summons; Particulars of Claim and Declaration; Plea and Counter-
Claim; Replication; Close of Pleadings
D2. Defective Pleadings: Exception; Application to Strike Out; Application to Set Aside an
Irregular Step; Enforce/Condone Non-Compliance with the Rule;
Amendment of Pleadings
D3. Early Judgments: Default Judgment; Summary Judgment; Consent and Confession to
Judgment
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E. PRE-TRIAL PROCEDURES
E1. Pre-Trial Processes: Discovery; Medical Examinations & Technical Inspections; Pre-Trial
Conference; Procuring Evidence for Trial; Advice on Evidence
E2. Special Pre-Trial Special cases and adjudication upon points of law; Offers to settle;
Processes: Interim payments; Withdrawal, settlement, discontinuance,
postponement and abandonment
F. TRIAL Duty to begin and Onus of Proof; Opening Address; Examination-in-
Chief, Cross-Examination; Re-Examination; Closing Address;
Absolution from Instance
6.1 In terms of delivery, the course uses a blended learning approach to delivery and
independent study. Content will be delivered through either physical contact classes
or technology enhanced learning which will involve the use of the Blackboard virtual
learning environment. There will be a selection of learning activities, which may
include use of online materials and guided reading, podcasts, use of video and
recording clips, online discussion boards and blogs. Students will also have the
opportunity to interact using social media.
7. ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
Assessment Methods
7.1 Students are required to do all the assessments, both formative and summative.
Different methods of assessments will be used in this module, including test; group
work; moot courts and, research-based assignments. The test and examination are
assessed summatively with feedback and comments on the test constituting formative
assessment.
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7.2 The other formative assessments will also be issued to students and they will take
various formats such as role players (trial advocacy); drafting of pleadings; legal
opinions; etc. Other modes of assessments will also be utilized and they also serve as
formative assessments. The emphasis on all the assessments will always be on
problem solving and in assessing the high order thinking skills.
7.4 Final examination will comprise of one 3 hour written externally moderated
examination, which will contribute 50% towards the student’s final mark. In the end,
students must obtain an overall final mark of 50% to pass.
Assessment Timetable
7.5 Unless otherwise stated, assessments will be done according to this assessment
timetable:
Assessment type Description / Topic Value
Research-based Assignment Students to be placed into groups at 25 %
(group / individual) the first contact session. Date of
Date: submission of research-based
assignment to be announced.
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8.2 Therefore, 16 credits represent 160 ‘notional learning hours’. For Civil Procedure
B, the total notional hours per learning activity can be divided as follows:
Description Hours
Contact with lecturer (Classes per semester) 34
Practical: eg Excursions / Educational Tours (Visit to Court,
Society of Advocates, etc); Drafting of opinions & Reports; etc 10
Preparations for assessments 40
Self-study (including preparations for class sessions and learning
activities) 56
Preparation for examination 20
TOTAL 160
8.3 Students are expected to read and study the chapters relating to the topics before the
lectures to which they relate. Students will then be in a much better position to
understand the lectures, and to concentrate on problems and concepts that they have
already encountered in their reading.
Resources
8.4 The following resources are available to students:
a) Suitably qualified and experienced lecturing / academic and support staff;
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9.2 The remaining 96 learning hours (making up the total of 120 learning hours) will
therefore consist of preparation for class, self-study, preparation for assessment and
completing assessments. A student in Civil Procedure B must spend at least 1 hour
preparing for each lecture by reading the material to be covered in that lecture and
conducting designated self-study. A student should devote 40 hours preparing for the
assessments, completing the assignment and preparing for the examination.
9.3 Each student should allocate learning time according to his/her own needs (for
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example, by spending more time preparing for lectures one week and more on
studying for a test the next week). Students are encouraged to organise voluntarily
into small study groups (ideally not more than 6 students per group) to discuss the
subject-matter of the module and jointly prepare for tests and the examination.
Therefore, part of a student’s preparation for lectures, tests and the examination as
well as conducting designated self-study should be spent in discussing work with the
other students in a study group.
10.3 The whole or part of the module will be delivered on the Blackboard learning
management system. It is the student’s responsibility to enquire from TLC about the
suitable browser that is compatible with the Blackboard platform.
10.4 Lectures will be convened according to the time slot allocated to the course in terms
of the timetable prepared and approved by the Faculty of Law.
11.2 The course will also be evaluated by students evaluation and correspondence with
the class. Student evaluations is one of the most beneficial quality assurance tools
in the teaching and learning space. Student evaluations remain critical instrument
notwithstanding its well-known shortcomings. Among the other things, the feedback
given during the evaluation process points out the lecturers’ strengths and
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weakness from the students’ standpoint. Therefore, lecturers are presented with an
opportunity to develop a response and improvement plans. In this course, student’s
evaluations will be done regularly. When student evaluations are done regularly,
the quality of teaching and learning is sure to improve for both the lecturers and the
students.
12.4 A student who has been unsuccessful in obtaining the examination sub-minimum
mark of 40 in the degree examination shall be entitled to a second chance at obtaining
the said sub-minimum mark (through the supplementary examination) provided s/he
obtained a minimum final mark of 45.
Supplementary examinations
12.5 Students who attain a mark between 45% - 49% in the June and November
examination, may sit the supplementary examination in January / February and June
/ July. Supplementary marks are limited to 50%.
Aegrotat examinations
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12.6 Aegrotat examinations are granted to students on special grounds, such as illness or
a death in the family. Application forms for these examinations are available from
the Student Bureau or from the Examinations Department and must be completed
within one week after the date of the examination concerned. The aegrotat exam for
the first semester will take place in June / July.
Non-attendance at tests
12.8 If a test is missed for a valid reason, a Leave of Absence form and documentary
proof must be presented to the Department within 3 working days of missing the
test. No late excuses will be taken into consideration. If you have obtained a Leave
of Absence, excusing you from a test, it will be compulsory (unless you obtain
another Leave of Absence) to write the make-up test. A busy test schedule,a clash
with a tutorial or lecture will not be accepted as a valid excuse for missinga test.
Class attendance
12.9 Class attendance is compulsory for all law modules. Accordingly, attendance
registers shall be circulated in class and must be completed by learners. A learner’s
class attendance record shall be considered for the purposes of considering
condonations of final marks and any other discretionary student matters.
Special note:
12.10 Class attendance is compulsory for all law students. Therefore, every student should
obtain 100% lecture attendance in each module. A leave of absence will only be
granted to students who, by reason of illness or other special circumstances, are
unable to attend lectures, provided that no student shall be absent from lectures for
a period / periods exceeding 25% of the required attendance in each module. Every
application for leave of absence should be accompanied by satisfactory evidence
of such illness or special circumstances
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and, further, should be submitted to the Faculty Secretary prior to the date of
absence from class.
13.3 This definition covers the following aspects: Using the direct words of another
without using quotation marks (even if the passage is referenced); The
unacknowledged copying of a sentence or two of text; copying more extensive blocks
of text; The syndication of a single piece of work by more than one student (unless
the assignment task is a legitimate group assignment); The borrowing and using of
another person’s assignment (with or without their knowledge and permission);
Stealing an entire essay from another person or from the Internet; or infringing
copyright.
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13.4 For the purposes of this policy, the intention, negligence or innocence of a person is
not relevant to the finding as to whether plagiarism, as a fact, has occurred. However,
the state of mind of the person will be highly significant in determining how to deal
with the case as far as taking remedial action or imposing a penalty is concerned.
13.5 Students should note that during the grading process their work may be run through
a text-matching / plagiarism detection software, or any other programme /
mechanism intended to assist in detecting plagiarism or other forms of academic
dishonesty.
13.7 Second, a law graduate without a testimonial from the Dean will not (a) be admitted
as an attorney; or (b) be allowed to register for articles of clerkship – which is
necessary in order to qualify for admission as an attorney. Also, a law graduate who
is not in possession of a testimonial issued by the Dean may not (a) be admitted as an
advocate; or (b) be accepted for pupillage training – which is necessary for admission
to the bar (of advocates).
13.8 Lastly, a law graduate convicted of academic offence involving dishonesty will be
regarded as not ‘fit and proper’ for admission to the legal profession. The reason
being that the element of dishonesty in the offence concerned will certainly taint the
person’s integrity. To meet the requirement of ‘fit and proper’ the candidate must
be a person of unquestionable integrity. In the past, the requirement of ‘fit and
proper person’ for admission to the profession were regulated by Section 15(1) (a)
of Attorneys Act 53 of 1979 and Section 3(1) (a) of Admission of Advocates Act
74 of 1964. These two pieces of legislation have since been repealed by the Legal
Practice Act. Furthermore, students’ attention is drawn into the case of Ex Parte
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Gunguluza 1971 4 SA 212 (N) where a person who cheated in examination was
regarded as ‘not fit and proper’ for admission to the profession.
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Counselling services
15.2 The Counselling Centre provides broad counselling services to students. The
counselling services include personal counselling and advocacy, training and
educational programmes, outreach and community services. Through a wide variety
of programmes and services, students are given the opportunity to learn and enhance
life skills, including interpersonal and human relations,communication, and value
clarification appreciation of deference, decision-makingand career choices. Some of
the programmes include empowering learners to cope with depression, alcohol and
drug abuse, relationship problems; etc.
16. READINGS
Prescribed Text(s):
16.1 Pete and Hulme’s Civil Procedure: A Practical Guide 4th Edition, Oxford, Cape
Town
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Recommended Readings
16.4 Lexis Practical Guidance: Civil Procedure (Online product)
16.5 Bertelsmann & Van Loggerenberg Erasmus Superior Court Practice 2nd Edition,
2015 Juta, Cape Town
16.6 Harms Civil Procedure in the Superior Courts
16.7 Van Loggerenberg Jones & Buckle: The Civil Practice of the Magistrates’ Courts
in South Africa 10th Edition
16.8 AC Cilliers et al Herbstein & Van Winsen: Civil Practice of the High Courts and
the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa 5th ed
16.9 Zeffert & Paizes The South African Law of Evidence 2nd Edition (2009)
16.7 Schmidt & Rademeyer Law of Evidence
16.8 Schwikkard & Van der Merwe Principles of Evidence 3rd Edition (2009)
16.9 Mullins & Da Silva Morris Technique of Litigation (recent edition) Juta, Cape
Town
16.10 Mannerwick Litigation Skills for SA Lawyers (recent edition) Lexis Nexis, Durban
16.11 Van Blerk, P Legal Drafting – Civil Proceedings (recent edition), Juta, Cape
Town
16.12 Harms Amler’s Precedents of Pleadings 8th Edition, 2015 Lexis Nexis, Durban
16.13 Bertelsmann & Van Loggerenberg Erasmus Superior Court Practice 2nd Edition,
2015 Juta, Cape Town
17. CONCLUSION
The course material, learning and assessment methods, resources and guidance and
counselling services available to the student should adequately prepare the student to
achieve the exit level outcomes. This result is however heavily dependent on the student’s
enthusiasm, diligence and participation in the course.
“No man is above the law and no man is below it: nor do we ask any man’s permission
when we ask him to obey it.”
---Theodore Roosevelt
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