Introduction

Welcome to the first instalment in a series of articles relating to legal rights and obligations awareness. Stop! Before you even begin to think about it this is not going to be a lecture series or academic platform to churn out legal philosophy thesis. Far from it. This column is aimed at explaining every day law for everyday people the readers of this paper.

We will demystify complex legal jargon and explain it in everyday language that everyone can understand.  We aim to make people conversant with everyday aspects of the law that affect them for example how to deal with the police and the courts. People should at least have a working knowledge of basic legal terminology and processes. We believe this will enable them to be assertive be generally better and informed citizens.. We will of course not compromise on the depth of whatever the subject matter being discussed and will always strive to be as informative as possible. We do not claim or seek to be a one stop fountain of knowledge nor do we claim to be the cleverest lawyers in town. We are just everyday lawyers who deal with everyday problems and concerns. We will address a variety of issues faced by people in their day to day lives for example how to get a peace order, how our courts work, how to draft an agreement and what to look out for, how to get a divorce, how to write a will, what to do in an accident amongst other everyday lega issues.

This is an interactive column that will work with readers. The idea is not to lecture anybody or engage in long monotonous essays. We will address the issues and questions that readers want addressed. We welcome comments, questions and suggestions for this column. All contributions will be included and incorporated in some way as this is a readers platform. There are as many legal issues as there are people and circumstances so whatever comes to mind we want to hear it. Please note that whatever will be addressed and advised here will be a basic guide only. You should always consult your lawyer or a qualified legal practitioner.

The full register of lawyers licenced to practice in Zimbabwe is published by the Law Society of Zimbabwe. The Law Society of Zimbabwe is the regulatory body which regulates the practice and conduct of lawyers working in this country. Most Zimbabwean lawyers are honourable legally compliant folk who are good at what they do. However you must  always trust your instincts when you chance upon that ONE seemingly dodgy fellow who gives everybody a bad name. For all you know you could be dealing with a bogus lawyer or even a real lawyer who was struck off the register and is no longer allowed practice.

You should verify if the particular lawyer you are dealing with is qualified to do what you engaged them for. For example not every lawyer is a conveyancer or a notary public. Always ensure your lawyer is allowed to practice and has a practising certificate. This is in the form of a portable ID sized plastic card which is valid for only one year and should be renewed every year.   The Law Society receives and handles complaints about lawyers accused of improper conduct so you never need worry as help is at hand. The Law Society is also the reference point for legal fees and charges. They publish a tariffs guide of the basic allowable fees for legal services. It is your right to know what if your lawyer is compliant so that you are not overcharged.

In the first series of articles we will discuss a few household legal principles and definitions in very simple everyday language.

Welcome to the first instalment in a series of articles relating to legal rights and obligations awareness. Stop! Before you even begin to think about it this is not going to be a lecture series or academic platform to churn out legal philosophy thesis. Far from it. This column is aimed at explaining every day law for everyday people the readers of this paper.  We will demystify complex legal jargon and explain it in everyday language that everyone can understand.  We aim to make people conversant with everyday aspects of the law that affect them for example how to deal with the police and the courts. People should at least have a working knowledge of basic legal terminology and processes. We believe this will enable them to be assertive be generally better and informed citizens.. We will of course not compromise on the depth of whatever the subject matter being discussed and will always strive to be as informative as possible. We do not claim or seek to be a one stop fountain of knowledge nor do we claim to be the cleverest lawyers in town. We are just everyday lawyers who deal with everyday problems and concerns. We will address a variety of issues faced by people in their day to day lives for example how to get a peace order, how our courts work, how to draft an agreement and what to look out for, how to get a divorce, how to write a will, what to do in an accident amongst other everyday lega issues.

This is an interactive column that will work with readers. The idea is not to lecture anybody or engage in long monotonous essays. We will address the issues and questions that readers want addressed. We welcome comments, questions and suggestions for this column. All contributions will be included and incorporated in some way as this is a readers platform. There are as many legal issues as there are people and circumstances so whatever comes to mind we want to hear it. Please note that whatever will be addressed and advised here will be a basic guide only. You should always consult your lawyer or a qualified legal practitioner.

The full register of lawyers licenced to practice in Zimbabwe is published by the Law Society of Zimbabwe. The Law Society of Zimbabwe is the regulatory body which regulates the practice and conduct of lawyers working in this country. Most Zimbabwean lawyers are honourable legally compliant folk who are good at what they do. However you must  always trust your instincts when you chance upon that ONE seemingly dodgy fellow who gives everybody a bad name. For all you know you could be dealing with a bogus lawyer or even a real lawyer who was struck off the register and is no longer allowed practice.

You should verify if the particular lawyer you are dealing with is qualified to do what you engaged them for. For example not every lawyer is a conveyancer or a notary public. Always ensure your lawyer is allowed to practice and has a practising certificate. This is in the form of a portable ID sized plastic card which is valid for only one year and should be renewed every year.   The Law Society receives and handles complaints about lawyers accused of improper conduct so you never need worry as help is at hand. The Law Society is also the reference point for legal fees and charges. They publish a tariffs guide of the basic allowable fees for legal services. It is your right to know what if your lawyer is compliant so that you are not overcharged.

In the first series of articles we will discuss a few household legal principles and definitions in very simple everyday language.