Faculty of Law
About The Faculty
The Faculty of Law at Somali National University (SNU) is one of the University’s oldest and most respected faculties, dedicated to educating competent legal professionals who uphold justice, the rule of law, and constitutional governance. The Faculty combines academic excellence with practical legal training to prepare graduates capable of addressing the evolving legal, social, and governance challenges facing Somalia and the international community.
The origins of the Faculty date back to 1954, when the Amministrazione Fiduciaria Italiana della Somalia (AFIS) established the Institute of Law as an affiliated institution of the Universities of Rome and Padua. In December 1969, the Institute was officially transformed into the Faculty of Law of Somali National University. With the support of the Italian Technical Cooperation, the Faculty became one of the leading centers for legal education in the region, producing generations of distinguished judges, lawyers, prosecutors, legal scholars, and public officials.
Following the interruption of academic activities during the civil war, the Faculty resumed its mission as part of the reopening of Somali National University, continuing its tradition of excellence in legal education, research, and public service.
Today, the Faculty offers a dynamic learning environment that integrates legal theory with practical experience through moot courts, legal research, case studies, and community engagement. Students develop strong analytical, advocacy, negotiation, legal drafting, and critical thinking skills while studying a broad range of legal disciplines, including constitutional law, criminal law, civil law, commercial law, international law, human rights, environmental law, and emerging areas such as cyber law and digital governance.
Supported by a team of experienced academics, legal practitioners, and researchers, the Faculty remains committed to producing ethical and competent legal professionals who contribute to strengthening justice, protecting human rights, promoting good governance, and advancing the rule of law in Somalia.
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Rashid Sheikh Abdisamad Sheikh Adam
Academic Departments and Degree Programs
Department of Law
The Department of Law offers the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), a four-year undergraduate program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of legal principles, constitutional law, civil law, criminal law, commercial law, international law, human rights, and legal research. The program combines theoretical study with practical legal training, preparing graduates for careers as advocates, judges, prosecutors, legal advisors, policymakers, researchers, and public servants.
Department of Law & Criminal Justice
The Department of Law & Criminal Justice offers the Bachelor of Law & Criminal Justice, a four-year undergraduate program focusing on criminal law, criminology, criminal investigation, forensic studies, policing, corrections, and the administration of justice. The program equips students with the knowledge and practical skills required to work in law enforcement agencies, courts, prosecution services, correctional institutions, security organizations, and justice sector institutions while promoting the rule of law and public safety.