Explain to a lady man the following sources of law : The 1992 constitution itself Acts of Parliament Delegated legislation Existing law; and Common law

Sure! Let’s break down each of these sources of law in a way that's easy to understand. ### 1. **The 1992 Constitution Itself** The 1992 Constitution is the supreme law of the land. This means that it is the highest legal authority, and all other laws must comply with it. It outlines the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, sets up the structure of government, and defines the powers of its various branches. If there's ever a conflict between the Constitution and any other law, the Constitution prevails. ### 2. **Acts of Parliament** Acts of Parliament are laws that have been formally passed by the legislative body (like Congress or Parliament). After a proposed law (or bill) is debated and approved by both houses, it is signed by the head of state (like a president or monarch) to become an Act. These laws cover a wide range of issues, from criminal law to taxation, and are enforceable by the courts. ### 3. **Delegated Legislation** Delegated legislation refers to laws made by an individual or body under powers given to them by an Act of Parliament. This means that while Parliament lays down the broad principles, the specific details can be managed by another authority, like a government minister or local council. This is often done to make regulations quicker and more flexible to respond to specific situations without needing to go through the whole process of making a new Act. ### 4. **Existing Law** Existing law refers to the laws that were already in place before the 1992 Constitution was enacted. It includes laws passed prior to the Constitution that are still valid and not contrary to the Constitution. These laws remain applicable unless they are repealed or modified by newer laws such as Acts of Parliament or other constitutional amendments. ### 5. **Common Law** Common law is a body of unwritten laws based on legal precedents established by the courts. This means that decisions made by judges in earlier cases shape the interpretation and application of the law in future cases. Common law evolves over time as new cases arise and is particularly important in areas where there are no specific statutes or Acts governing the issue. ### Summary So, to sum it up: the **1992 Constitution** sets the stage for all laws, **Acts of Parliament** create specific rules, **delegated legislation** allows certain bodies to make detailed rules under those Acts, **existing law** carries over previous laws, and **common law** fills in gaps based on judicial decisions. All these sources together form the legal framework that governs society.