, Question 1 1. With specific reference to section 13(1) of the Interpretation Act 33 of
1957, what do you understand by the terms “adoption”, and “commencement” of
legislation? (5)
Section 13(1) of the Interpretation Act 33 of 1957 pertains to the commencement of
legislation. In legal terms, "commencement" refers to the point in time when a particular
law or provision becomes effective and applicable. It signifies the beginning of the legal
force and effect of the legislation.
Regarding the term "adoption" in this context, it typically denotes the formal acceptance or
approval of a particular piece of legislation. Adoption involves the process by which a
legislative body formally accepts and puts into effect a proposed law. This process is
integral to the establishment of legal norms and regulations within a jurisdiction.
It's important to note that the interpretation of legal terms may vary, and consulting the
specific jurisdiction's legal texts and interpretations is advisable for precise details. In the
context of the Interpretation Act 33 of 1957, the mentioned terms contribute to
understanding when and how legislation comes into operation.
2. List and briefly discuss the requirements which were laid down in National
Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality v Minister of Home Affairs 2000 (2) SA 1
(CC), before reading-in or severance could take place. Ms (10)
In the case of National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality v Minister of Home Affairs
2000 (2) SA 1 (CC), the Constitutional Court of South Africa established specific
requirements before the court could engage in the processes of reading-in or severance.
Here are the key requirements along with brief discussions:
1. Constitutional Invalidity:
• Before considering reading-in or severance, there must be a finding of
constitutional invalidity. This means that the court must determine that the
existing law or provision is inconsistent with the constitution.
2. Nature and Extent of the Inconsistency:
• The court should assess the nature and extent of the inconsistency between
the impugned provision and the constitution. This involves understanding the
specific constitutional principles or rights that are violated by the provision in
question.
3. Substantive Impairment:
• The court requires a demonstration that the invalid provision substantially
impairs the constitutional rights. The impairment must be more than trivial or
inconsequential to justify the intervention of reading-in or severance.
4. Reading-In as First Option:
• The court established a preference for reading-in over severance. Reading-in
involves adding words to a provision to bring it in line with the constitution,
1957, what do you understand by the terms “adoption”, and “commencement” of
legislation? (5)
Section 13(1) of the Interpretation Act 33 of 1957 pertains to the commencement of
legislation. In legal terms, "commencement" refers to the point in time when a particular
law or provision becomes effective and applicable. It signifies the beginning of the legal
force and effect of the legislation.
Regarding the term "adoption" in this context, it typically denotes the formal acceptance or
approval of a particular piece of legislation. Adoption involves the process by which a
legislative body formally accepts and puts into effect a proposed law. This process is
integral to the establishment of legal norms and regulations within a jurisdiction.
It's important to note that the interpretation of legal terms may vary, and consulting the
specific jurisdiction's legal texts and interpretations is advisable for precise details. In the
context of the Interpretation Act 33 of 1957, the mentioned terms contribute to
understanding when and how legislation comes into operation.
2. List and briefly discuss the requirements which were laid down in National
Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality v Minister of Home Affairs 2000 (2) SA 1
(CC), before reading-in or severance could take place. Ms (10)
In the case of National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality v Minister of Home Affairs
2000 (2) SA 1 (CC), the Constitutional Court of South Africa established specific
requirements before the court could engage in the processes of reading-in or severance.
Here are the key requirements along with brief discussions:
1. Constitutional Invalidity:
• Before considering reading-in or severance, there must be a finding of
constitutional invalidity. This means that the court must determine that the
existing law or provision is inconsistent with the constitution.
2. Nature and Extent of the Inconsistency:
• The court should assess the nature and extent of the inconsistency between
the impugned provision and the constitution. This involves understanding the
specific constitutional principles or rights that are violated by the provision in
question.
3. Substantive Impairment:
• The court requires a demonstration that the invalid provision substantially
impairs the constitutional rights. The impairment must be more than trivial or
inconsequential to justify the intervention of reading-in or severance.
4. Reading-In as First Option:
• The court established a preference for reading-in over severance. Reading-in
involves adding words to a provision to bring it in line with the constitution,
