This course examines the foundations of the legal system in Jamaica and the laws that govern Jamaica. It explains the roots and structure of the justice system in Jamaica. The course is designed to enable students to understand the fundamental concepts, purposes and classifications of law and legal systems. It focuses on the law and legal systems of the Commonwealth Caribbean, in particular Jamaica, and includes units on the several sources of law, including the Constitution, common law, legislation, international and regional law.

The course also examines the legal systems in place for administrative law, alternative dispute resolution and legal aid and is geared toward equipping students with the requisite knowledge about the foundations of law and legal systems.

At the end of this course students should be able to: 

• Explain the different classifications of law and legal systems.
• Understand the structure and hierarchy of the court system in Jamaica and the Commonwealth Caribbean.
• Appreciate the fundamental importance of Commonwealth Caribbean Constitutions and the Constitution of Jamaica.
• Explain how international law is made and the relationship between international law, regional law and national law.
• Discuss the elements of regional law and regional law making in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).