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A) Law can be defined as a system of rules and regulations that are created and enforced by a
governing authority to regulate behaviour and maintain order within a society. It provides a
framework for resolving disputes, protecting rights, and ensuring justice.
B) Here are the explanations of the different types of law:
i) Administrative Law: Administrative law describes the processes, priorities, and procedures of
the bureaucratic rulemaking agencies within the government. It governs the activities and
operations of administrative agencies, such as government departments and regulatory bodies. It
ensures that these agencies act within their legal authority and adhere to fair procedures when
making decisions or implementing policies.
ii) Constitutional Law: Constitutional law refers to the body of laws that establish and define the
structure, powers, and limitations of government institutions, particularly the constitution. It
protects individual rights, outlines the separation of powers, and sets out the fundamental
principles and values of a country.
iii) Consumer Law: Consumer law involves all the regulations and statues that seek to create a
more equitable balance for buyers in the market place and prevent sellers from using dishonest
tactics. It is designed to protect consumers in their interactions with businesses and ensure fair
trade practices. It regulates the sale of goods and services, sets standards for product safety, and
provides remedies for consumer rights violations.
iv) Contract Law: A contract is an agreement between parties, creating mutual obligations that
are enforceable by law and the Contract law governs the formation, interpretation, and
enforcement of contracts between parties. It ensures that agreements are legally binding and that
parties fulfill their obligations as stated in the contract.
v) Criminal Law: Criminal law is a system of law concerned with the punishment of offenders
and deals with offenses against society as a whole. It defines and punishes acts that are
considered crimes, such as murder, theft, and assault. It sets out the procedures for investigating
and prosecuting criminal offenses and imposes penalties for convicted individuals. The parties in
criminal proceedings are the state vs. the defendant or the accused. The outcome is guilty or not
guilty.
vi) Tort Law: Tort law deals with civil wrongs or injuries caused by one party to another. It
provides a legal framework for individuals to seek compensation for harm or loss suffered due to
the actions or negligence of others. Examples of torts include personal injury, defamation, and
negligence.
vii) Family Law: Family law governs legal matters related to family relationships, such as
marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption, and inheritance. It sets out the rights and
responsibilities of family members and provides a framework for resolving disputes within
families.
C) The sources of law in Zimbabwe include:
1. Constitution: The Constitution of Zimbabwe is the supreme law of the land. It sets out the
fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, establishes the structure and powers of
government institutions, and provides a framework for the creation and interpretation of other
laws. It establishes the structure and powers of government institutions, including the executive,
legislature and judiciary. It outlines the separation of powers and provides checks and balances
to ensure accountability and transparency in governance.
2. Legislation: Laws in Zimbabwe are enacted by the Parliament. Acts of Parliament, also known
as statutes or legislation, are formal laws passed by both houses of Parliament and signed into
law by the President. They cover various areas of governance and regulate different aspects of
society. Legislation covers various areas of governance and regulates different aspects of society.
It can address matters such as criminal offences, civil rights, property rights, contract law, family
law, labour law, environmental regulations and more. The parliament has the power to create,
amend, and repeal laws through the legislative process.
3. Common Law: Common law refers to legal principles and rules that have been developed and
established through court decisions over time. It is based on precedents and judicial
interpretations of statutes and constitutional provisions. Common law fills gaps in legislation and
provides guidance in cases where there is no specific statute. It’s principles are derived from
previous court decisions and are binding on lower courts. These principles are based on the
concept of stare decisis, which means that courts are bound by previous decisions and should
follow established legal precedents.
4. Customary Law: Customary law is derived from the customs and traditions of indigenous
communities in Zimbabwe. It is recognized and applied in matters relating to personal status,
family, inheritance, and land rights among these communities. Customary law is recognized and
protected by the Constitution. Customary law is applied and enforced through traditional
authorities, such as chiefs and village heads, who have the power to adjudicate and resolve
disputes within their communities. These traditional authorities have the authority to interpret
and apply customary law in accordance with the customs and traditions of their communities.
5. International Law: Zimbabwe is a member of the international community and is bound by

international treaties, conventions, and agreements. International law, including human rights
treaties, can be incorporated into domestic law through legislation or recognized by the courts.
International law refers to the body of rules and principles that govern the relationships between
states and other international actors. In Zimbabwe international law is incorporated into domestic
law through legislation or recognition by the courts. Section 34 of the constitution specifically
states that international treaties ratified by Zimbabwe are part of the law of the land.

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A) Law can be defined as a system of rules and regulations that are created and enforced by a

B) Here are the explanations of the different types of law:

C) The sources of law in Zimbabwe include:

5. International Law: Zimbabwe is a member of the international community and is bound by

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