Module Title: The course of civil suit

Module Credits: 25

Brief description of aims and content

This practical module intends to equip DLP students with hands-on practical skills in dealing with the daily practice of courts, mostly with regards to the litigation management of civil matters from the first step of filing a claim up to the post-trial procedures. The subjects to be taught are carefully selected and for the purpose, dwell on the ethics and values of judicial professions in Rwanda. Coverage of core concepts is emphasized as it underlines a better understanding of civil proceedings as well as a deep clarity from common law perspectives. In this regard, highlights on key concepts go hand in hand with a review of principles of a fair trial. The main part of the module’s content includes topics on the pre-trial phase in civil cases, trial management, judgment writing, and post-trial procedures.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module all students should be able to:

1. Understand laws of legal professional ethics;
2. Prepare a plea – meeting to professional standards -  including the gathering of facts, as required by law, good practice, and circumstances in a structured way;
3. understand trial procedures;
4. understand the procedure at the pretrial level and roles of key players at that level;
5. know judgment writing principles and remedies;
6. build up a case for hearing according to the professional standards;
7. demonstrate the ability to effectively handle issues related to case admissibility, summarizing facts, identifying and discussing every legal issue;
8. demonstrate effective listening during the court sessions;
9. control personal emotions during court sessions;
10. conduct parties/witness interview;
11. Demonstrate the ability to analyze a case and provide sound legal reasoning;
12. Draft good judgments and dissenting opinions;
13. Communicate professionally and effectively with parties and witnesses using questioning and listening techniques appropriately.