SJD1501
ASSIGNMENT 3 SEMESTER 2 2024
UNIQUE NO.568042
DUE DATE: 12 SEPTEMBER 2024
, SJD1501
Assignment 3 Semester 2 2024
Unique Number: 568042
Due Date: 12 September 2024
Social Dimensions of Justice
1. Differences Between Criminal and Civil Cases
Criminal cases are about the state prosecuting someone for breaking the law, like
committing theft, assault, or murder. The goal here is to determine if the person is guilty
and, if they are, to decide on a punishment. This could be imprisonment, fines, or other
penalties. Essentially, these cases are about protecting society and making sure that
crimes are dealt with properly.
Civil cases, on the other hand, deal with disputes between private individuals or
organizations. These could involve disagreements over contracts, property issues, or
family matters. The aim in civil cases is to resolve these disputes, often by awarding
compensation or other remedies to the party that has been wronged. So, while criminal
cases are about punishment and public safety, civil cases focus on resolving conflicts
and addressing grievances.
2. Differences Between High Courts and Magistrates’ Courts
High Courts are the more serious courts and deal with important or complex cases.
They handle major criminal offenses and significant civil disputes, especially those
involving large amounts of money or intricate legal issues. They also have the authority
to hear appeals from Magistrates’ Courts. In essence, High Courts are where the more
complex or higher-stakes cases are resolved.
Magistrates’ Courts, on the other hand, are lower courts that deal with less serious
criminal cases, like minor thefts or small assaults, and civil disputes involving smaller
sums of money (typically less than R400,000). These courts are more accessible and
ASSIGNMENT 3 SEMESTER 2 2024
UNIQUE NO.568042
DUE DATE: 12 SEPTEMBER 2024
, SJD1501
Assignment 3 Semester 2 2024
Unique Number: 568042
Due Date: 12 September 2024
Social Dimensions of Justice
1. Differences Between Criminal and Civil Cases
Criminal cases are about the state prosecuting someone for breaking the law, like
committing theft, assault, or murder. The goal here is to determine if the person is guilty
and, if they are, to decide on a punishment. This could be imprisonment, fines, or other
penalties. Essentially, these cases are about protecting society and making sure that
crimes are dealt with properly.
Civil cases, on the other hand, deal with disputes between private individuals or
organizations. These could involve disagreements over contracts, property issues, or
family matters. The aim in civil cases is to resolve these disputes, often by awarding
compensation or other remedies to the party that has been wronged. So, while criminal
cases are about punishment and public safety, civil cases focus on resolving conflicts
and addressing grievances.
2. Differences Between High Courts and Magistrates’ Courts
High Courts are the more serious courts and deal with important or complex cases.
They handle major criminal offenses and significant civil disputes, especially those
involving large amounts of money or intricate legal issues. They also have the authority
to hear appeals from Magistrates’ Courts. In essence, High Courts are where the more
complex or higher-stakes cases are resolved.
Magistrates’ Courts, on the other hand, are lower courts that deal with less serious
criminal cases, like minor thefts or small assaults, and civil disputes involving smaller
sums of money (typically less than R400,000). These courts are more accessible and
