SCL1501 Assignment 1 Semester 2 2026 – Due 14 August 2026

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SCL1501 ASSIGNMENT 1 2026
DUE 14 AUGUST 2026

QUESTION 1.1: Discuss the concept of law. Use the SCL1501 study guide
(material) to answer this question. Your answer should not exceed 750 words.
The concept of law is fundamental to any legal study. As a law student, understanding
what law is constitutes the point of departure for your entire legal education. However,
the question “What is law?” is not easy to answer, as different people understand the
concept of law in different ways in various situations
(SCL1501 Study Guide 2026, LU1, p. 11).
DEFINING LAW
In the strict sense, law is defined as:
“Law, in the strict sense of the word, is the only body of rules governing human conduct
that is recognised and, if necessary, enforced by the state.”
(SCL1501 Study Guide 2026, LU1, p. 12).
This definition reveals four important characteristics of law:

Characteristic
System of rules Law is a body of rules, but not all systems of rules are law
(SCL1501 Study Guide 2026, LU1, p. 12)