INTRODUCTION  

This module examines the different forms of laws available concerning the custody, maintenance and protection of children. The module introduces students to the general principles of law to do with children. The module also aims to lay a foundation for subsequent detailed coverage of measures and mitigations that focus on the welfare of children in Zambia.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this module are:

• To examine different laws concerning children’s protection
• Examine general principles concerning child law
• Exams the existing measures on safeguarding children’s welfare             

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this module you should be able to:

• Explain who a child is at law     
• Identify the various interventions available in law in taking care of children’s welfare and the procedural requirements involved.
• Assess the appropriateness of particular child’s welfare vis-a-vis legal requirements,            childcare, Alternative care, integration, protection etc.
• Advise on the legal nature of the various child interventions and trace their legal basis to either statute or common law and also advise on virtually all legal aspects of these interventions.

UNIT 1 – GENERAL INTRODUCTION OF CHILD LAW

UNIT 2 – DEFINITION OF A CHILD

UNIT 3 – CHILD PROTECTION

UNIT 4 – ADOPTION

UNIT 5 – CUSTODY OF CHILDREN

UNIT 6 – CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN  

UNIT 7 – JUVENILE OFFENDERS AND THE LAW

 

RECOMMENDED READING:

Kulusika S.E. Criminal Law in Zambia. (2016). Lusaka: UNZA Press

Matibini Patrick. Criminal Justice System. (2009). Institute for Security Studies

Mushota Lilian. Family Law in Zambia. (2005) Lusaka: UNZA Press