CIVIC EDUCATION

THEME – CITIZENSHIP 

CLASS – SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS (SS 1)

TOPIC – MEANING AND TYPES OF LAW 

LEARNING AREA

1. Meaning of Law

2. Types of Law

3. Stages in the Process of Law Making

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

1. Picture demonstrating citizenship.

2. World map

3. Documentation and video clips

4. National symbols e.g national flag, coat of arms, national pledge, etc.

5. Textbooks

6. Internet

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define a law.

2. state and explain the types of law.

3. discuss the process of making law.

CONTENTS OF THE LESSON

INTRODUCTION

A law is a rule and regulations that governed the action and conduct of people in a given territory. The laws are made by the government or people in authority for the purposes of maintaining peace and orderliness. The body body that made law is called legislature.

TYPES OF LAWS 

1. Civic Law – A civic law is a law that deals with private matters such as the rights and duties, marriages and properties, etc. The law settles disputes between individuals or organizations and typically involves seeking compensation or damages for harm done.

2. Criminal Law – A criminal law is a law that deals with all kinds of crimes in the state such as crimes committed against the public order and the punishment of those who violate these laws. This law is set to punish or impose fine on the offenders.

3. Public Law – Public law is the law that deals with the general public and the government as well.

4. Administrative Law – An administrative law is a law that governs the activities of government agencies and their interactions with the public.

5. Constitutional Law – A constitutional law is a law that concerned with the interpretation and application of a country’s constitution, including the powers and structure of government and the rights of individuals.

6. International Law – An international law is a law that deals with relations between countries, including treaties, agreements, and the rights and obligations of states in the global community.

7. Environmental Law – An environmental law is a law that focuses on regulations and statutes governing the protection of the environment and natural resources.

8. Family Law – A family law is a law deals with issues related to marriage, divorce, child custody, and domestic relationships.

9. Employment Law – An employment law is a law that governs the relationship between employers and employees, including issues such as wages, discrimination, and workplace safety.

10. Contract Law – A contract law is a law that deals with agreements and obligations between parties, including the formation, performance, and enforcement of contracts.

11. Property Law – A property law is a law that deals with the ownership, use, and transfer of property, including real estate, personal property, and intellectual property.

STAGES IN THE LAW MAKING PROCESS

Under Section 4 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)1 (the “Constitution”), the NASS is vested with the legislative powers (to make laws for the peace and order) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Before a Bill becomes law, it must go through the following process in either chamber of the NASS –

Stage 1 – Presentation of the Bill

Stage 2 – First Review of the Bill

Stage 3 – Gazetting of the Bill

Stage 4 – First Reading

Stage 5 – Second Reading

Stage 6 – Committee stage

Stage 7 – Third & Final Reading

Stage 8 – Signing of the Bill

Stage 9 – President’s Assent/Signature

LESSON PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITIES

The teacher,

1. leads a discussion on the meaning and types of laws.

3. discusses the stages in the process of making law.

STUDENT’S ACTIVITIES

The students,

1. define and explain types of law.

3. state the stages in the process of making law.

LESSON EVALUATION

Teacher asks students to,

1. define law.

2. list and explain five types of laws.

3. discuss the stages in the process of making law.