EXAM PREP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
◉ How is rape defined in the current law? Answer: Rape is defined
as the non-consensual penetration of a vagina by a penis.
◉ What are the four elements in the definition of rape according to
Heath J in Ncanywa? Answer: (a) intentional, (b) unlawful, (c) sexual
intercourse with a woman, (d) without her consent.
◉ What does the element of unlawfulness in the definition of rape
hinge on? Answer: The absence of consent.
◉ How do Burchell and Milton define rape? Answer: As the
intentional unlawful sexual intercourse with a woman without her
consent.
◉ What is Snyman's preferred definition of rape? Answer: Rape
consists in a male having unlawful and intentional sexual
intercourse with a female without her consent.
◉ What is the common understanding of 'sexual intercourse' in the
context of rape? Answer: The penetration of the woman's vagina by
the male penis.
,◉ Why is the definition of rape not considered unconstitutional?
Answer: It criminalizes conduct that is morally and socially
unacceptable and protects constitutional rights.
◉ What constitutional rights does the definition of rape protect?
Answer: The right to be free from all forms of violence, the right to
dignity, and the right to equality.
◉ What was declared unconstitutional regarding the common law
crime of sodomy? Answer: It subjected people to criminal penalties
for conduct that could not constitute a crime in the constitutional
order.
◉ What issue does the current case raise regarding the definition of
rape? Answer: Whether the definition needs to be developed to
include anal penetration.
◉ What arguments were presented regarding gender-specificity in
the definition of rape? Answer: That it reflects patriarchal
stereotypes inconsistent with the Constitution.
◉ What does the court emphasize regarding dealing with cases?
Answer: It is undesirable to deal with a case based on potential facts
rather than the actual facts.
,◉ What is the significance of extending the definition of rape?
Answer: To promote the spirit, purport, and objects of the Bill of
Rights.
◉ What is the position of the court on the current definition of rape
being under-inclusive? Answer: Invalidating it would be
counterproductive; it should be extended instead.
◉ What does the court suggest about the current definition of rape
in relation to societal conduct? Answer: It ensures the
criminalization of unacceptable social conduct.
◉ What is the stance of the court on the necessity of the definition of
rape? Answer: The definition is necessary to protect against violence
and uphold dignity and equality.
◉ What does the court imply about the relationship between the
definition of rape and constitutional rights? Answer: The definition
aligns with and supports the protection of constitutional rights.
◉ What is the potential consequence of eliminating the current
definition of rape? Answer: It would undermine the protection of
rights and social conduct against violence.
, ◉ What does the court indicate about the necessity of legal
definitions? Answer: Legal definitions must evolve to reflect societal
changes and uphold justice.
◉ What is the court's view on the importance of consent in the
definition of rape? Answer: Consent is a critical element that
determines the unlawfulness of the act.
◉ What does the court suggest about the need for legal clarity in
definitions? Answer: Clarity in legal definitions is essential to ensure
justice and protect rights.
◉ What is the significance of non-consensual anal penetration of
males according to the notes? Answer: It is considered degrading,
humiliating, and traumatic, similar to female anal penetration.
◉ What does the phrase by Brownmiller imply about violations of
personal space? Answer: It suggests that violations are significant
injuries to mind, spirit, and sense of self.
◉ Is it unconstitutional to have a gender-specific definition of rape?
Answer: No, it is not unconstitutional to have a gender-specific
definition of rape.