FOR1501
ASSIGNMENT 1
DUE DATE: 3 MARCH 2026
,FOR1501 ASSIGNMENT 1 2026
DUE 3 MARCH 2026
QUESTION 1
Explain the difference between a disciplinary transgression and a
criminal offence and use practical examples. (10)
According to the study guide, the fundamental difference between a
disciplinary transgression and a criminal offence lies in the body of law or
rules they violate and the subsequent legal process they trigger.
A disciplinary transgression or misconduct is a violation of the internal
rules, policies, or code of conduct established by an employer within a
workplace. Unit 1, before an employee can be charged with misconduct,
"there must be a rule or policy that explains the forms of misconduct or
, transgression which the company deems unacceptable" (FOR1502
2026:6). These rules are often developed from the framework of the Labour
Relations Act (LRA). The purpose of discipline in this context is to correct
behaviour and maintain a productive and safe work environment. A
transgression is dealt with internally through a disciplinary process, which
could result in sanctions like warnings or dismissal (FOR1502 2026:10).
A criminal offence is an act that contravenes the common law or statutory
law of the country. "people can only be convicted and punished for offences
that are found in law either in common law or in statutory law" (FOR1502
2026:6). A criminal offence is considered a wrong against the state or
society at large. An example provided is theft, defined as "the unlawful and
intentional taking of property which belongs to another person without the
intent to return it" This is prosecuted by the state in a criminal court, and a
conviction can lead to a fine or imprisonment.
ASSIGNMENT 1
DUE DATE: 3 MARCH 2026
,FOR1501 ASSIGNMENT 1 2026
DUE 3 MARCH 2026
QUESTION 1
Explain the difference between a disciplinary transgression and a
criminal offence and use practical examples. (10)
According to the study guide, the fundamental difference between a
disciplinary transgression and a criminal offence lies in the body of law or
rules they violate and the subsequent legal process they trigger.
A disciplinary transgression or misconduct is a violation of the internal
rules, policies, or code of conduct established by an employer within a
workplace. Unit 1, before an employee can be charged with misconduct,
"there must be a rule or policy that explains the forms of misconduct or
, transgression which the company deems unacceptable" (FOR1502
2026:6). These rules are often developed from the framework of the Labour
Relations Act (LRA). The purpose of discipline in this context is to correct
behaviour and maintain a productive and safe work environment. A
transgression is dealt with internally through a disciplinary process, which
could result in sanctions like warnings or dismissal (FOR1502 2026:10).
A criminal offence is an act that contravenes the common law or statutory
law of the country. "people can only be convicted and punished for offences
that are found in law either in common law or in statutory law" (FOR1502
2026:6). A criminal offence is considered a wrong against the state or
society at large. An example provided is theft, defined as "the unlawful and
intentional taking of property which belongs to another person without the
intent to return it" This is prosecuted by the state in a criminal court, and a
conviction can lead to a fine or imprisonment.
