LME3701
ASSIGNMENT 2 Semester 2 2024
Unique Number:
DUE DATE: : August 2024
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning,
comparison and reference purpose,
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the
contents of this document as your own work,
Fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise
or misuse this document.
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this
document, however the contents are provided “as
is” without any representations or warranties,
express or implied. The author assumes no
liability as a result of reliance and use of the
contents of this document. This document is to
be used for comparison, research and reference
purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be
reproduced, resold or transmitted in any form or
by any means.
, 0688120934
A Historical Analysis of the Criminal Law Response to Domestic
Violence in South Africa: Adequacy and Constitutional Implications
By
LME3701 STUDENT
(Student number: 12345678)
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
LLB
In the
SCHOOL OF LAW
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
SUPERVISOR:
(ASSIGNMENT NUMBER 02)
2024
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is”
without any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as
a result of reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for
comparison, research and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be
reproduced, resold or transmitted in any form or by any means.
, 0688120934
1. Introduction
Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals, families, and communities
worldwide. In South Africa, the prevalence of domestic violence is particularly concerning,
given its severe impact on the victims' physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
Despite the significant attention domestic violence has garnered in recent years, South
Africa's criminal law does not explicitly categorize it as a distinct crime. This raises critical
questions about the effectiveness of the current legal framework in addressing and
mitigating domestic violence.
The absence of a specific crime labelled "domestic violence" in South Africa contrasts
with the legal frameworks of other jurisdictions, where domestic violence is explicitly
criminalized. This discrepancy necessitates an exploration of how South Africa's criminal
law responds to domestic violence, the legal consequences for perpetrators, and whether
the current response adequately protects victims and upholds their constitutional rights.
This research aims to investigate the historical development of laws addressing domestic
violence in South Africa, focusing on relevant case law, legislation, law reform
commission reports, and scholarly writings. By examining the evolution of these laws, this
study will assess whether the current criminal law response to domestic violence is
satisfactory or if there are areas that require improvement. Additionally, the research will
explore the constitutional implications of the current legal framework, considering the
rights of victims and the obligations of the state to protect individuals from harm.
The study will employ a historical research approach, tracing the development of
domestic violence laws in South Africa from a specific point in the past to the present day.
This approach will provide a comprehensive understanding of how the legal response to
domestic violence has evolved and the factors that have influenced its current state. By
focusing on the historical context, this research aims to identify gaps and propose
potential improvements to enhance the protection of domestic violence victims and
ensure the effectiveness of the criminal justice system. Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is”
without any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as
a result of reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for
comparison, research and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be
reproduced, resold or transmitted in any form or by any means.
ASSIGNMENT 2 Semester 2 2024
Unique Number:
DUE DATE: : August 2024
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning,
comparison and reference purpose,
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the
contents of this document as your own work,
Fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise
or misuse this document.
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this
document, however the contents are provided “as
is” without any representations or warranties,
express or implied. The author assumes no
liability as a result of reliance and use of the
contents of this document. This document is to
be used for comparison, research and reference
purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be
reproduced, resold or transmitted in any form or
by any means.
, 0688120934
A Historical Analysis of the Criminal Law Response to Domestic
Violence in South Africa: Adequacy and Constitutional Implications
By
LME3701 STUDENT
(Student number: 12345678)
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
LLB
In the
SCHOOL OF LAW
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
SUPERVISOR:
(ASSIGNMENT NUMBER 02)
2024
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is”
without any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as
a result of reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for
comparison, research and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be
reproduced, resold or transmitted in any form or by any means.
, 0688120934
1. Introduction
Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals, families, and communities
worldwide. In South Africa, the prevalence of domestic violence is particularly concerning,
given its severe impact on the victims' physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
Despite the significant attention domestic violence has garnered in recent years, South
Africa's criminal law does not explicitly categorize it as a distinct crime. This raises critical
questions about the effectiveness of the current legal framework in addressing and
mitigating domestic violence.
The absence of a specific crime labelled "domestic violence" in South Africa contrasts
with the legal frameworks of other jurisdictions, where domestic violence is explicitly
criminalized. This discrepancy necessitates an exploration of how South Africa's criminal
law responds to domestic violence, the legal consequences for perpetrators, and whether
the current response adequately protects victims and upholds their constitutional rights.
This research aims to investigate the historical development of laws addressing domestic
violence in South Africa, focusing on relevant case law, legislation, law reform
commission reports, and scholarly writings. By examining the evolution of these laws, this
study will assess whether the current criminal law response to domestic violence is
satisfactory or if there are areas that require improvement. Additionally, the research will
explore the constitutional implications of the current legal framework, considering the
rights of victims and the obligations of the state to protect individuals from harm.
The study will employ a historical research approach, tracing the development of
domestic violence laws in South Africa from a specific point in the past to the present day.
This approach will provide a comprehensive understanding of how the legal response to
domestic violence has evolved and the factors that have influenced its current state. By
focusing on the historical context, this research aims to identify gaps and propose
potential improvements to enhance the protection of domestic violence victims and
ensure the effectiveness of the criminal justice system. Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is”
without any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as
a result of reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for
comparison, research and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be
reproduced, resold or transmitted in any form or by any means.
