SJD1501
ASSIGNMENT 4 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO. 684270
DUE DATE: 15 APRIL 2025
, SJD1501
Assignment 4 Semester 1 2025
Unique No. 684270
Due Date: 15 April 2025
Social Dimensions of Justice
(1) Name the two classes of legal subjects recognised in South African law.
Natural persons are simply human beings. Every person, from the moment they
are born until they pass away, is considered a legal subject with rights and
responsibilities.
Juristic persons, on the other hand, are not human beings but are still
recognised by law as having rights and duties. These include businesses,
companies, organisations, and even certain associations. They can own
property, enter into contracts, and be taken to court, just like natural persons.
(2) Is a monstrum regarded as a legal subject in our law today?
No, a monstrum is not considered a legal subject in South African law today.
Historically, in old Roman law, the term "monstrum" was used to describe a child born
with severe deformities that made them "not human" in the legal sense. This meant they
were not given the same legal rights as other people. However, in modern South African
law, this is no longer the case. Every human being, regardless of how they are born, is
recognised as a legal subject with rights.
So, in today's law, a monstrum does not exist as a separate category. Every person, no
matter their physical condition, has legal recognition and protection.
ASSIGNMENT 4 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO. 684270
DUE DATE: 15 APRIL 2025
, SJD1501
Assignment 4 Semester 1 2025
Unique No. 684270
Due Date: 15 April 2025
Social Dimensions of Justice
(1) Name the two classes of legal subjects recognised in South African law.
Natural persons are simply human beings. Every person, from the moment they
are born until they pass away, is considered a legal subject with rights and
responsibilities.
Juristic persons, on the other hand, are not human beings but are still
recognised by law as having rights and duties. These include businesses,
companies, organisations, and even certain associations. They can own
property, enter into contracts, and be taken to court, just like natural persons.
(2) Is a monstrum regarded as a legal subject in our law today?
No, a monstrum is not considered a legal subject in South African law today.
Historically, in old Roman law, the term "monstrum" was used to describe a child born
with severe deformities that made them "not human" in the legal sense. This meant they
were not given the same legal rights as other people. However, in modern South African
law, this is no longer the case. Every human being, regardless of how they are born, is
recognised as a legal subject with rights.
So, in today's law, a monstrum does not exist as a separate category. Every person, no
matter their physical condition, has legal recognition and protection.
