Legal Articles and Guides
Groundbreaking judgment on maternity leave for fathers
In what a Pretoria News report calls a groundbreaking judgment for new parents – especially fathers – a court has ruled that both parents are entitled to maternity leave.
Prisoner struggles to appeal sentence over file debacle
Sifiso Tembe has been unable to appeal his prison sentence because the KZN High Court (Pietermaritzburg) erroneously told his legal representatives that his case number was incorrect, and that they did not have his file, reports GroundUp.
Ban on electronic equipment in Gumede case challenged
The media is challenging a court ban against the use of cellphones, laptops, and video and audio recordings in the corruption trial of former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede and 21 others.
Muslims dismiss Matrimonial Property Act plans
The SA Law Review Commission (LRC) discussion paper – which proposes progressive changes to the country’s 40-year-old Matrimonial Property Act – has appeared to raise the ire of some members of the Muslim community.
ConCourt confirms landmark ruling for divorcees
The Constitutional Court has ordered Parliament to amend the Divorce Act to give more spouses a chance to claim a share of the assets of a former partner after a split.
Hearing for eviction order against homeless sites underway
The Western Cape High Court is hearing an application by the City of Cape Town to obtain a final eviction order for several homeless encampment sites across the CBD.
Pistorius was eligible for parole six months ago
The Constitutional Court has confirmed convicted killer Oscar Pistorius had served half of his sentence by 21 March this year.
Murder conviction overturned 19 years later
After 19 years behind bars, George Robertson walked out of prison a free man last week – his conviction for murdering his father overturned after a protracted battle to have his appeal heard.
Church violating order on gay marriage
The Dutch Reformed Church has been violating a court order on gay marriage for the past four years, according to a prominent lawyer.
Legal challenge stalls Bishopscourt land claim
More than 50 years after the Protea Village Community (PVC) in Bishopscourt was forcibly displaced by the Group Areas Act, environmentalists are mounting a legal challenge that could further stall their return to the land.
Thief’s sentencing set aside on irregularity
Josquin September has been released from custody after his conviction and sentencing for stealing libido tablets to the value of R110 from a Dis-Chem store last year was set aside.
Student body lodges complaint against EFF
The Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (Daso) last week filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission (HRC), against members of the EFF and Student Command (EFFSC) last week.
Unequal battle between banks and clients
The uneven battle between consumers and the big banks is explored by financial journalist Ciaran Ryan.
ConCourt rejects amaBhungane gag bid
The Constitutional Court – led by Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya – has unanimously rejected the Moti Group's attempt to reinstate a gag order against amaBhungane through a direct access application to the apex court.
Divorce Bill violates Muslim rights
The United Ulama Council of SA (UUCSA) is of the opinion that the draft Divorce Amendment Bill infringes on Islamic marriage and divorce law.
