Legislative Drafting (Diploma)
Dates
2 Weeks: July 28 - August 8, 2025 - Introductory Course
4 Weeks: July 28 - August 22, 2025 - Certificate Qualification
6 Weeks: July 28 - September 5, 2025 - Diploma Qualification
Location: Cape Town
Dates
2 Weeks: September 22 - October 3, 2025 - Introductory Course
4 Weeks: September 22 - October 17, 2025 - Certificate Qualification
6 Weeks: September 22 - October 31, 2025 - Diploma Qualification
Location: Johannesburg
Format
In-Person/Online
Tuition (In Person)
2 Weeks
$1,500 pp individual
1,000 pp for groups of 5+
4 Weeks
$3,000 pp individual
$2,000 pp for groups of 5+
6 Weeks
$4,000 pp individual
$ 2,800 pp for groups of 5+
Tuition (Online)
2 Weeks
$1,000 pp individual
$800 pp for groups of 5+
4 Weeks
$1,800 pp individual
$1,500 pp for groups of 5+
6 Weeks
$2,000 pp individual
$1,800 pp for groups of 5+
Course Overview
Well drafted legislation is fundamental to a country's and region's legal system and its overall economic development. Professionals who possess the skills to draft, interpret, and apply laws are essential to protecting democratic forms of government across the African continent.
This Intensive programme directs participants in achieving an intelligible and confident style of drafting and engages participants in the practical drafting of legislation.
It further skills participants' in drafting amendments, interpreting statutes and appreciating the policy behind the drafting process. Using a multidisciplinary approach facilitated by key regional and international experts, participants gain hands-on experience in drafting legislation through regular individual and group exercises and research. By the end of the course, participants' drafting skills and knowledge will be greatly enhanced
Target Audience
Lawyers, parliamentary drafters, and policy advisors
Week 1: Foundations of Legislative Drafting
Day 1: Introduction to Legislative Drafting
- Importance of legislative drafting in the Commonwealth.
- Constitutional and statutory frameworks.
Day 2: Principles of Legislative Drafting
- Clarity, precision, and brevity in drafting.
- Common drafting techniques and language.
Day 3: Legal Frameworks in Commonwealth Countries
- Comparative analysis of legal systems.
- Role of parliamentary counsel and drafting offices.
Day 4: Structure of Legislation
- Anatomy of legislation: Titles, preambles, provisions.
- Drafting schedules, annexes, and amendments.
Day 5: Case Studies and Workshops
- Drafting simple bills and legal instruments.
- Peer review and feedback.
Week 2: Practical Application
Day 6: Legislative Drafting for Policy Implementation
- Translating policy into legislation.
- Collaboration with policymakers and stakeholders.
Day 7: Constitutional Constraints
- Adhering to constitutional principles.
- Avoiding conflicts with existing laws.
Day 8: Addressing Contemporary Issues
- Drafting in emerging areas: Technology, environment, and human rights.
Day 9: Challenges in Legislative Drafting
- Managing ambiguity and interpretation issues.
- Addressing public consultation feedback.
Day 10: Final Assessment and Certification
- Drafting a legislative proposal.
- Review, feedback, and certification ceremony.
4-Week Course Outline: Advanced Legislative Drafting
Week 1: Fundamentals (as per the 2-week course)
Week 2: Advanced Techniques
Day 6: Drafting Complex Provisions
- Cross-referencing, definitions, and exceptions.
- Avoiding redundant or conflicting clauses.
Day 7: Legislative Amendments and Revisions
- Drafting amendments to existing laws.
- Repeals, consolidations, and codifications.
Day 8: Harmonization of Laws
- Drafting for regional agreements (e.g., CARICOM, SADC).
- Ensuring coherence within legal systems.
Day 9: Workshops and Case Studies
- Drafting instruments for diverse legal contexts.
Day 10: Review and Feedback
- Group analysis of draft bills.
Week 3: Policy, Interpretation, and Compliance
Day 11: Policy to Legislation
- Best practices in collaborating with policymakers.
- Balancing policy objectives and legal frameworks.
Day 12: Legislative Interpretation
- Rules of statutory interpretation.
- Addressing ambiguities and judicial challenges.
Day 13: Regulatory Drafting
- Drafting subsidiary legislation and regulations.
- Compliance and enforcement mechanisms.
Day 14: Emerging Issues in Legislative Drafting
- Cybersecurity, data privacy, and global health.
Day 15: Mid-Course Assessment
- Drafting and presentation of complex legal texts.
Week 4: Specialized Topics and Practical Application
Day 16: Gender-Sensitive and Inclusive Drafting
- Ensuring equality and non-discrimination.
Day 17: Drafting Financial and Budgetary Laws
- Addressing fiscal and monetary policy in legislation.
Day 18: Drafting for Emergencies
- Legal frameworks for crisis management.
Day 19: Workshops and Drafting Exercises
- Mock legislative drafting sessions.
Day 20: Final Assessment and Certification
- Presentation and peer review of legislative projects.
6-Week Course Outline: Comprehensive Diploma in Legislative Drafting
Weeks 1-4: Fundamentals and Advanced Techniques (as per the 4-week course)
Week 5: Specialized and Comparative Legislative Drafting
Day 21: Comparative Legislative Drafting
- Differences and best practices across Commonwealth countries.
- Adapting laws for multicultural and multilingual societies.
Day 22: Drafting for International Agreements
- Incorporating treaties and conventions into domestic law.
Day 23: Public Participation in Legislation
- Drafting for public consultation and stakeholder engagement.
Day 24: Legislative Drafting and Human Rights
- Ensuring compliance with international human rights standards.
Day 26-28: Capstone Legislative Drafting Project
- Drafting a full legislative bill on a selected topic.
- Collaboration in teams to simulate real-world drafting processes.
Day 29: Peer Review and Presentation
- Review and critique of capstone projects.
- Presentations to an expert panel.
Day 30: Final Assessment and Certification
- Comprehensive feedback session.
- Certification and closing ceremony.
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