Ghana School of Law
Professional Law Course
What you will study
Chapter 1 · Introduction and Nature of Law of Evidence
Definition · Categories of Facts in Evidence · Sources of Evidence Law · Means of Proof
Chapter 2 · Relevance, Admissibility, and Weight of Evidence
Definition of admissibility of evidence · Relevant Evidence · Admissible Evidence · Character Evidence · Ill-gotten Evidence · Adduction of fresh evidence on appeal
Chapter 3 · Burden of Proof
Introduction · Burden of Proof · Legal/ Persuasive Burden · Evidential Burden · Judicial Notice · Admissions · Confessions · Conditions for the admissibility of out of court confessions · Statutory exemptions from the obligation to prove a fact
Chapter 4 · Presumptions
Definition · Rebuttable presumptions · Conclusive presumptions · When presumptions conflict · Estoppel · Types of estoppel · Differences between estoppel and other presumptions · Differences between estoppel and substantive law
Chapter 5 · Trial by Judge & Jury
Introduction · Questions of law · Submissions of no case · Functions of a Judge · Withdrawing an issue from the jury · Exclusion of relevant evidence · Summing up · Functions of the Jury
Chapter 6 · Witnesses
Introduction · Competence of a Witness · Compellability of a Witness · Types of Witnesses
Chapter 7 · Character Evidence
Introduction · Methods of Proving Character · Accused as a witness/ Previous convictions of the accused
Chapter 8 · Privilege
Introduction · Compelling a witness to testify · Waiver of privilege · Situations where waiver does not arise per Section 89(2) and (3) of NRCD 323 · Procedure for determining whether privilege exists · Types of Privilege
Chapter 9 · Hearsay Evidence
Introduction · Exceptions to the Inadmissible Hearsay
Chapter 10 · Documentary Evidence
Introduction · The best evidence rule · Duplicates · Instances where the best evidence rule will be waived · Parole Evidence · Instances when the parole evidence rule does not apply · Illiterates
Chapter 11 · Public Policy
Introduction · Matters excluded on grounds of public policy
Chapter 12 · Opinion Evidence
Introduction · Expert Witness · The basis of expert evidence · The effect of expert evidence · Lay Opinion · Court experts
Chapter 13 · Evidence on Appeal
Introduction · Admission of erroneous evidence · Misdirections · Grounds of Appeal · Common grounds of appeal · Points of Law · Appeals based on the demeanour of a witness · Overturning the findings of the trial court · Fresh Evidence on Appeal
Chapter 14 · Circumstantial Evidence
Introduction · Forms of circumstantial evidence · Principles underpinning the use of circumstantial evidence · Standard of Proof
Chapter 15 · Authentication and Identification
Introduction · Methods of Authentication
Chapter 1 · Communication Skills
Introduction · Principles of Communication
Chapter 2 · Interviewing Clients
Introduction · The first interview · The reasons why interviews are conducted · Preliminary matters to be discussed at the initial meeting · Things to consider to ensure the interview is successful · Principles of interviewing · Facilitators of Communication · Inhibitors of Communication · Types of Clients
Chapter 3 · Listening Skills
Introduction · Types of listening
Chapter 4 · Questioning Skills
Introduction · Questioning Techniques
Chapter 5 · Non-Verbal Communication
Introduction · Types of Non-verbal communication · Advantages of Non-Verbal Communication
Chapter 6 · Preconceptions
Introduction · Dealing with Preconceptions
Chapter 7 · The Advocate as a storyteller
Introduction · Characteristics of a good storytelling · Plausibility
Chapter 8 · Qualities of an Advocate
Introduction · Qualities of an advocate
Chapter 9 · The Opening Speech
Introduction · The Opening Speech · Purpose of an opening speech · Structure and Content of an Opening Statement · Order of Speeches · Techniques in Delivering Opening Statements
Chapter 10 · Examination-in-chief
Introduction · The aims of examination-in-chief · Selecting the Order of the Witnesses · Selecting the right order to elicit evidence · Written Preparation · Questioning Techniques · Refreshing the memory of a witness · Techniques to achieve the aims of examination-in-chief
Chapter 11 · Cross-Examination
Introduction · Advancing your case · Undermining your opponent’s case · Preparing for Cross-Examination · Quality of a Cross-Examination · Limits of Cross-Examination · Questioning Techniques · How to exercise control over a witness · Main techniques in cross-examination · Cross-examining certain class of witnesses
Chapter 12 · Re-Examination
Introduction · When a re-examination is necessary · Limits of re-examination
Chapter 13 · Closing Address
Introduction · Things to keep in mind · Features of a good closing address · Order of presentation
Chapter 14 · Ethics
Ethics
Chapter 1 · Introduction to Alternative Dispute Resolution
Introduction · Definition of ADR · The ADR Mechanisms · The Alternative Disputes Resolution Act (Act 798) · Advantages of ADR over Litigation · Disadvantages of ADR
Chapter 2 · Introduction to Conflict, Conflict Analysis & Techniques to Managing Conflict
Introduction · Nature of conflict · Differences between conflicts and disputes · Conceptual frameworks for analyzing conflicts · Strategies for conflict resolution
Chapter 3 · The ADR Spectrum
Introduction · ADR Processes
Chapter 4 · Negotiation
Introduction · Characteristics of negotiation · Styles of Negotiation · Categorizing negotiations · Practical steps in managing the negotiation process · Interest-Based Negotiations · Principled Negotiation
Chapter 5 · Mediation
Introduction · Qualities of a mediator · The role of the mediator · Principles of Mediation · Stages of Mediation · Advantages of Mediation · Disadvantages of Mediation
Chapter 6 · Victim-Offender Mediation (Restorative Justice)
Introduction · The legal basis · Rationale for resorting to victim-offender mediation · The heart of victim-offender mediation · The process of victim-offender mediation · Advantages of victim-offender mediation · Criticisms of victim-offender mediation
Chapter 7 · Arbitration
Introduction · Features of arbitration · Comparing litigation and arbitration · Statutory Arbitration · Advantages of arbitration · Disadvantages of arbitration · Types of arbitration · Framework of International Arbitration · Principles of International Arbitration · The Arbitration Agreement · Drafting the Arbitration Agreement · Seven deadly sins to avoid when drafting an arbitration clause
Chapter 8 · Customary Arbitration
Introduction · Essential Characteristics of Customary Arbitration · Voluntary Submission and Consent · Rules of Natural Justice and Fairness · Jurisdictional Limits · The Award · Negotiation for Settlement
Chapter 9 · ADR Ethics
Introduction · Integrity, Fairness, and Impartiality · Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest · Communication and Transparency · Diligence and the right to be heard · Confidentiality and Trust
Chapter 10 · ADR Hybrid Methods
Introduction · Mediation and Arbitration Hybrids · Mediation-based Hybrids · Evaluation and Advisory Methods · Court-Related Hybrid Systems
Chapter 11 · Role of Judges in ADR/Case Management
Introduction · Purpose and Importance · The Case Management Conference (CMC) · The Legal Framework · ADR in Commercial Actions
Chapter 12 · Review of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, 2010 (Act 798)
Introduction · The Memorandum · The Structure · The Unique Aspects of Act 798 · Review of Arbitration Provisions · Weakness of the provisions on Arbitration · Customary Arbitration Review · Mediation Review
Chapter 1 · General Introduction
Nature and Scope of Family Law · What is family law? · Jurisdiction of the Courts In Family Law
Chapter 2 · Breach of Promise to Marry
Introduction · Types of Breach of Promise to Marry · Timing · Defences to Breach of Promise to Marry · Damages in Breach of Promise to Marry · The Ghanaian Customary Law Position on Breach of Promise to Marry
Chapter 3 · Customary Marriages
Introduction · Characteristics of a Customary Law Marriage · Types of Customary Marriage · Essentials of A Valid Customary Marriage · Criticisms against the four (4) Essentials · Registration of Customary Law Marriages and Divorce · Effect of Registration of Customary Law Marriage · Registration of Customary Divorce
Chapter 4 · Dissolution of Customary Marriages
Forms of Dissolution · Customary Law Dissolution · Grounds for the Dissolution of Customary Marriages
Chapter 5 · Mohammedan Marriages
Introduction · Essentials of Mohammedan Marriage · Capacity · Limitations on Mohammedan Marriage · Irregular Marriages · Registration of the Mohammedan Marriage · Method of Registration · Registration out of Time · Grounds for Dissolution of Mohammedan Marriages · Forms of Dissolution of Mohammedan Marriages · Talak
Chapter 6 · The Concept of Domicile and Residence
Introduction · Types of Residence · Types of Domicile · General Rules of Domicile · Domicile of Origin · Domicile of Dependence · Domicile of Choice
Chapter 7 · Conversion
What is Conversion? · Effect of Conversion · Procedure for Conversion of a Marriage · Conversion through Legislation · Conversion through change in Domicile
Chapter 8 · Nullity Proceedings
Introduction · Void Marriages · Voidable Marriage · Meaning of Consummation · Inability to have sexual intercourse · Wilful Refusal to Consummate · Unsound Mind · Mental Disorders · Duress · Effect of an Annulment
Chapter 9 · Dissolution of Monogamous Marriages
Introduction · Grounds for Divorce · Adultery of the Respondent · Unreasonable Behaviour · Desertion · Failure to Live as Man and Wife for 2 Years with the Consent of The Respondent to the Divorce · Not Having Lived As Husband and Wife For a Continuous period of at least 5 years immediately preceding the presentation of the Petition · Inability to Reconcile Differences · Recognition of Foreign Decrees in Ghana · Testamentary Dispositions made to Divorced spouse · Restriction on Petition · Conduct of the Petitioner as a bar to Divorce · The Law on Bigamy
Chapter 10 · Spousal Property Rights
Introduction · Household Goods · Property Acquired for Marriage · Property Settlement · Presumption of Advancement
Chapter 11 · Children
Constitutional Protections · International Instruments Concerning the Rights of Children · Ghanaian Statutes · Classification of Rights under the CRC · Rights of Children In Ghana · Welfare Principle · Jurisdiction of the Courts in matters relating to Children in the Courts Act · Rights of Children in Ghana under the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560) · Child Labour · Juvenile Justice
Chapter 12 · Fosterage
Introduction · Custody of Children · Matters to consider in the making of a custody order
Chapter 13 · Adoption
Introduction · Customary Law Adoption · Conditions for an Adoption Order · Interim Order · Revocation of an Adoption Order · Knowledge of Adoption by Child · In- Country Adoption · Inter-Country Adoption · The Hague Convention · Principal Features of the Hague Convention
Chapter 14 · Domestic Violence
Introduction · Meaning of Domestic Violence · Meaning of Domestic Relationship · Arrest by Police · Arrest without warrant by person other than Police
Chapter 15 · Intestate Succession
Introduction · Provisions of PNDCL 111 · Customary Law Provisions for Succession
Chapter 1 · Changes introduced by the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992)
What is a Company · Introduction · Some changes introduced by Act 992
Chapter 2 · Types of Companies in Ghana
Introduction · Types of Companies · Company Limited by Shares · Company Limited by Guarantee · Unlimited Company · External Company
Chapter 3 · Mechanics of Incorporation
Introduction · Who can incorporate a Company? · The Process of Incorporation- Section 13 · Powers and Limits of Authority of a Company · The Company Constitution
Chapter 4 · Foreign Participation in Enterprises
Introduction · Foreign Participation & GIPC Act.
Chapter 5 · Corporate Governance
Introduction · The Board of Directors (Directors) -Who are they? · Powers of Directors · Appointment Directors · Removal of Directors · Duties of Directors · Civil Liabilities of Directors · Types of Directors · Proceedings and Minutes of Meeting of Directors
Chapter 6 · Practical Issues in the Enforcement of Directors Liabilities and Members Rights through Litigation (Corporate Remedies): The Rule in Foss v Harbottle
Introduction · The Proper Plaintiff Rule · The Majority Rule · Exceptions · Statutory Inroads · Representative Action · Derivative Actions
Chapter 7 · Company Secretarial Practice
Introduction · Appointment of Company Secretary · Removal · Qualifications · Duties · Capacity of the Company Secretary to bind the Company · Powers · Company Secretaries, Directors and Members
Chapter 8 · Capital Markets
Introduction · Issuing Shares · Right Issue · Private Placement · Conversion Issue · Invitation to the Public · Transfer from reserves to stated capital · Debt/ Debentures
Chapter 9 · Commercial Agreements
Introduction · Negotiating the Agreement · Boilerplate Clauses in Commercial Agreements · Legal Opinion
Chapter 10 · Lending Transactions
Introduction · The governing laws · Types of lending transactions · The Lending Process · Key Legal Issues
Chapter 11 · Legal Due Diligence
Introduction · Why legal due diligence? · The Legal Due Diligence Process · Drafting report · Mistakes to avoid · Legal Due Diligence Checklist
Chapter 12 · Private Liquidation
Introduction · Private/Voluntary Liquidation · The Liquidator · Dissolution · Dissolution without full winding up · Stay of Proceedings
Chapter 13 · Official Liquidation
Introduction · Liquidation by Special Resolution · Liquidation by Petition to the Registrar · Liquidation by Petition to the Court · Conversion from private liquidation · Conversion from Administration to Official Liquidation · The Liquidation Process · The (Official) Liquidator
Chapter 1 · The Legal Marketplace
Introduction · The nature of the law practice · The need for including LPM in the curriculum
Chapter 2 · What Lawyers Do And Scope Of Practice
Introduction · Who is a lawyer? · A lawyer in practice · What lawyers do · Where Lawyers Work · Legislations that impact the scope and areas of practice
Chapter 3 · Introduction to common Terminology
Introduction · Terminology · Legal Tools
Chapter 4 · The Regulation Of Practice
Introduction · The aim of regulation · The Regulator · The Mandate of the General Legal Council · Disciplinary Procedures of the GLC · Entry requirements to join the legal profession · Establishment of Law Practice · Professional Conduct and Etiquette Rules
Chapter 5 · Types of setups for the practice of law
Introduction · The Structures
Chapter 6 · Introduction To The Theory Of Management
Introduction · The importance of Management theory in law practice · Skills lawyers must possess · The history and evolution of management
Chapter 7 · General Scope Of Management And Its Application To Law Practice
Management as a daily process · Why lawyers ought to study management · The application of the modern management theory in law practice management
Chapter 8 · The impact of key management concepts
Introduction
Chapter 9 · The Lawyer-Client Engagement
Introduction · The pre-engagement Protocols · Execution of the terms of engagement · The post engagement · Client Engagement Letter · SAMPLE FORMS
Chapter 10 · Conflict of Interest Check
Introduction · Conflict of interest · Situations where conflict of interest can arise · Preventing conflict of interest · The time to conduct a conflict check · Actions to take when there is a potential conflict of interest
Chapter 11 · Basics Of Human Resource Management And Its Application In Law Practice
Introduction · Objectives of Human Resource Management (HRM) · Human Resource Management in the Law Practice · The scope and function of HRM · Human Capital · Generational differences in the workplace and its impact on the work culture
Chapter 12 · Expenses, Income Generation and compensation Models in Law Firms
Introduction · Basic Terminology · Heads of Expenditure · Income Generation
Chapter 13 · Non-Lawyers And Support Staff In A Law Firm
Introduction · Non-lawyer stuff · Other non-lawyer roles
Chapter 14 · Records And Information Management
Introduction · Definition of Information Management · Sources of information · The Information Cycle · The importance of information management in firms · Common features of an information management Policy
Chapter 15 · Impact of Social Media on the Law Practice
Introduction · Definition of social media · Benefits of social media use in law firms · Disadvantages of social media · Website creation and management
Chapter 1 · Introduction To Criminal Procedure
Introduction · Sources of criminal procedure · Overview of the criminal process
Chapter 2 · Constitutional And Individual Rights
Introduction · Types of jurisdiction · The Courts with criminal jurisdiction in Ghana
Chapter 3 · The Powers Of The Police
Introduction · Powers of the Police
Chapter 4 · Institution Of Proceedings
Introduction · The complaint · Processes to compel the accused to attend court; The summons and the warrant
Chapter 5 · The Attorney-General
Introduction · Prosecution Divisions · Nolle Prosequi · Withdrawal
Chapter 6 · Criminal Jurisdiction Of The Courts
Introduction · Types of jurisdiction · The Courts with criminal jurisdiction in Ghana
Chapter 7 · Bail
Introduction · Types of bail · Application for Bail · Discretionary nature of Bail · Jurisdiction to Grant Bail · Principles governing the grant of Bail Pending Trial · Principles governing the grant of Bail Pending Appeal · Forfeiture of recognisance · Discharge of surety
Chapter 8 · Security For Keeping The Peace And For Good Behaviour
Introduction · Procedure · The circumstances under which the bond may be required to be executed. · Effect of a Bond
Chapter 9 · Drafting Of Charges
Introduction · Joinder of charges · Joinder of accused · Separate Trial
Chapter 10 · Defences
Introduction · Information on the originating process · Alibi · Previous acquittal or conviction (autrefois convict/acquit) · Circumstances where the double jeopardy rule does not apply · Lunacy or insanity · Defence of Lunacy
Chapter 11 · Evidence On Commission
Introduction · Commissions for the examination of witnesses
Chapter 12 · Preservation Of Testimony In Certain Cases
Preservation of testimony
Chapter 13 · Disclosure In Criminal Proceedings
Introduction · The necessity for Disclosures · The procedure · The subject matter of disclosures · Witness Statements · Case Management Conference
Chapter 14 · Modes Of Trial
Introduction · Summary Trials · Trials on indictment · Committal Proceedings · The Trial · The role of the judge
Chapter 15 · Punishment
Introduction · The Types of punishment · Previous convictions · Multiple counts
Chapter 16 · Appeals
Introduction · When to file an appeal · The form of the appeal · The powers of the appellate Court · Grounds on which an appeal may be allowed
Chapter 17 · Juvenile Justice System
Introduction · Who can be dealt with under the Juvenile Justice System? · Guiding Principles and Rights of the Juvenile · Composition of the Juvenile Court · Bail · Timelines for trial · Sentencing · Appeals
Chapter 18 · The Office Of The Special Prosecutor
Introduction · Legislations regulating the OSP · The governing body of the Office · The objectives and Functions of the OSP · The powers and control of the OSP · Complaint procedure · Investigation
Chapter 19 · Ghana Code For Prosecutors
Introduction · Prosecutions · Prosecutors · Duties of a Prosecutor
Chapter 1 · Introduction to Civil Procedure
Introduction
Chapter 2 · Application of the Rules
Application
Chapter 3 · Commencement of Proceedings
Introduction · Petition · Origination Motion on Notice (OMN) · Writ of Summons
Chapter 4 · Venue and Transfer
Introduction · Cause of Action · Locus Standi/ Capacity · Parties to the Suit · The Court · Venue · Transfer of Proceedings · Condition Precedent · Joinder of Parties
Chapter 5 · Parties
Chapter 1 · Preliminary Issues of Interpretation
Introduction · Narrow View · Broad View · Why Interpret? · Legal Basis of Interpretation of Constitution, Statutory and Non Statutory Documents.
Chapter 2 · Basic Construction of Non-statutory Documents
Introduction · Basic Rules · Rules for Interpreting Foreign Laws in Ghana
Chapter 3 · Basic Construction of Wills
Introduction · Basic Rules for Interpreting Wills · Other Considerations in Interpreting a Will · Burden of Proof of the Validity of a Will · Restrictions on Testamentary Freedom · The Class Closing Rule
Chapter 4 · Statutory Interpretation
Introduction · Literalism · Textualism · Originalism · Living Constitutionalism
Chapter 5 · Aids to Interpretation
Introduction · Internal Aids to Interpreting Non-Statutory Documents · Non-Operative Parts of Non-Statutory Document · Operative Parts of Non-Statutory Document · External Aids to Interpretation of Non-Statutory Documents · Internal Aids to Interpretation of Statutory Documents
Chapter 6 · Presumptions
What are Presumptions? · Presumptions in Interpretation · General Purpose Presumptions · Presumptions that reflect protection of human rights · Presumptions in favour of ethical behaviour · Presumptions that Reflect Social Objectives · Presumptions Reflecting Rule of Law · Specific Presumptions relating to Statutory Construction · Presumptions against unclear changes in the Common Law · Presumptions against unclear changes in the existing law · Presumptions against interference with vested or accrued rights · Presumption against retrospective application of legislation · Presumption against ousting the supervisory jurisdiction of the superior courts over lower courts and administrative bodies · Presumption against extra-territorial application of legislation · Presumptions against Tautology or that the legislature does not use words in vain · Presumption against evasion of legislation · Presumption against absurdity · Presumption that Parliament does not make mistakes · Presumption of knowledge and competence of the Legislature · Presumption that rules of equity apply · Presumption against internal conflict or inconsistency · Presumption that where Parliament fails to prescribe a punishment for non-compliance of rules, the Court should not provide one · Presumption against creating or enlarging existing jurisdiction
Chapter 7 · Repealed and Retroactive Legislation
Introduction · Retrospectivity · Repeals of Legislation · Express Repeals · Implied Repeals · Effect of a Repeal · Re-Enactment and Consolidation · Amendment · Transitional Provisions
Chapter 8 · Ouster Clauses
What is an Ouster clause? · Forms of Ouster Clauses · Non- statutory ouster clauses · Statutory ouster clauses · Constitutional ouster clauses
Chapter 9 · Judicial Review
Introduction · Supervisory Jurisdiction of the High Court and Supreme Court · Certiorari/Prohibition · Mandamus · Quo warranto · Persons amenable to judicial review · Procedure for invoking the supervisory jurisdiction of the High Court · Procedure for Supreme court · Difference between appeals and judicial review · Are appeals and the invocation of the supervisory jurisdiction of the Court mutually exclusive? · Supervisory Jurisdiction in a cause or matter affecting chieftaincy
Chapter 10 · Constitutional Interpretation
Supremacy of the Constitution · Requirement for and scope of invoking the original and exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court · Procedure for making a reference to the Supreme Court · Exclusive original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court · Principles Applicable in Constitutional Interpretation
Chapter 1 · Introduction to Conveyancing and Drafting
Conveyancing in Ghana · Drafting Instruments · Court processes for Land litigation
Chapter 2 · Basic concepts and Terminologies
What is Conveyancing · Basic Concepts and Terminologies
Chapter 3 · Conveyancing Theory and systems
Systems of conveyancing in Ghana