What is a Criminal Law?
Criminal law is only one of the devices by which organized societies protect the security of individual interests and ensure the survival of the group.
There are, in addition, the standards of conduct instilled by family, school, and religion; the rules of the office and factory; the regulations of civil life enforced by ordinary police powers; and the sanctions available through tort actions.
Where Can I Study Criminal Law In South Africa
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has a Department of Applied Legal Studies which offers a Bachelor of Paralegal Studies course.
This course is perfect for you who’ve considered a career as a Paralegal Practitioner. Students will be exposed to a unique blend of theory, procedure, and practice in Public, Private, and Mercantile Law.
University of Johannesburg
If you’re located in Johannesburg and you want to study Law, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) might be where you end up. UJ offers law through its Faculty of Law.
Within this faculty, they offer traditional law programs such as BA Law, BCom Law, and LLB, as well as LLM degrees by dissertation and coursework and LLD degrees in various important fields.
In addition to these degrees, the Faculty has a strong non-formal programs division that offers postgraduate diplomas, certificates, and short courses in specialized areas such as tax law, compliance, criminal justice and forensic investigation, insolvency law, labor law, corporate law, and drafting of contracts.
University of the Witwatersrand
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) has the School of Law which is a premier institution for legal studies on the African continent.
Wits offers a BA in Law, BCom in Law, and LLB. They also have postgraduate law courses. Wits’ study programs are highly prized in the marketplace for high standards of academic excellence and practical relevance.
The wide range of subjects taught by acknowledged experts allows students to develop themselves into world-class legal specialists.
University of Pretoria
The Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria (UP) strives to be an internationally recognized leader in socially relevant legal research and education in South Africa and the world.
UP’s Faculty of Law, has multiple departments: Centre for Human Rights, Jurisprudence, Mercantile Law, Private Law, Procedural Law, and Public Law. They offer LLB, BA in Law, and BCom Law.
Vaal University of Technology
Vaal University of Technology (VUT) offers Law and Law-related qualifications through its Department of Legal Services.
The following qualifications are offered at VUT: Diploma in Labour Law, Diploma in Legal Assistance, Diploma in Policing, Diploma in Safety Management, Advance Diploma in Mediation, Advance Diploma in Policing and the Advance Diploma in Safety Management.
Apart from its own qualifications, the department also presents all discipline-specific law and safety subjects to students registered for qualifications presented by other departments and faculties.
Durban University of Technology
One of the many Universities in South Africa that offer Law is Durban University of Technology (DUT).
DUT has its Department of Applied Law which offers many different law subjects for other Durban University of Technology departments. As such, the department gives a legal background to students who may require it for their particular courses.
The department only offers a Diploma in Management Sciences: Business Law.
How do I become a criminal lawyer in South Africa?
The basic requirement is an LLB degree from any South African university. Having achieved this, the next step is to apply to the High Court to be included on the ‘roll’ of advocates.
To do this, an applicant must satisfy the court that he/she is both qualified and able to be a member of the profession.
How long do you have to study to become a criminal lawyer in South Africa?
To become a lawyer in South Africa takes a minimum of 6 years. 4 years for the LLB degree and 2 years of articles. You will also have to complete the 4 board exams and be admitted as an attorney by the high court of South Africa.
How much does it cost to study law in South Africa?
| Faculty of Law | 1st year | 4th year |
|---|---|---|
| LLB | 47 000 – 56 000 | 46 000 – 64 000 |
| BCom (Law) (in Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences) | 50 000 – 69 000 | |
| BA (Law) (in Faculty of Humanities) | 48 000 – 56 000 |
What are the requirements to study law in South Africa?
Entry Requirement
- A National Senior Certificate with degree admission.
- English Home Language level 5 or English First Additional Language level 6.
- Mathematical Literacy level 5 or Mathematics level 3.
- Life Orientation level 4.
- Minimum composite Academic Point Score (APS) 32 not including Life Orientation.
Is it a good idea to study law in South Africa?
Choosing law as a career can be rewarding and exciting but it also requires hard work, dedication, and a high level of commitment. The legal industry in South Africa is exceptionally competitive and there are many different career paths to choose from.