SJD1501 Assignment 2 Semester 2
||(ANSWERS AND GUIDELINES)| Due Date : 24
September 2026
SJD1501: SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF JUSTICE
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAMINATION
150 Multiple-Choice Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed Explanations
SECTION A: INTRODUCTION TO LAW AND JUSTICE
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of law in society?
A) To punish wrongdoers
B) To maintain order and regulate human conduct
C) To protect the wealthy
D) To create bureaucracy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The primary purpose of law is to maintain order and regulate human
conduct in society. While punishment is one mechanism, the overarching goal is
social order, justice, and peaceful coexistence.
Question 2
Which of the following best describes "justice"?
,A) Always punishing criminals harshly
B) Fairness and equality in the application of law
C) Winning court cases
D) Following the majority opinion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Justice refers to fairness, equality, and impartiality in the application
of laws. It encompasses distributive, procedural, and restorative dimensions.
Question 3
What does the term "ubuntu" mean in the South African legal context?
A) Punishment must fit the crime
B) Humanity towards others and community interconnectedness
C) Innocence until proven guilty
D) Freedom of speech
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Ubuntu is an African philosophical concept meaning "humanity
towards others." In South African constitutional law, it emphasizes human dignity,
community, and restorative justice.
Question 4
Which branch of government is responsible for making laws?
A) The Judiciary
B) The Executive
C) The Legislature
D) The Police
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Legislature (Parliament) makes laws. The Executive implements
laws, and the Judiciary interprets laws. This separation of powers prevents abuse
of authority.
,Question 5
The South African Constitution is considered the supreme law of the land. What
does this mean?
A) It can be changed easily
B) All other laws must comply with it
C) It only applies to government officials
D) It replaces all customary law
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Section 2 of the Constitution states that any law inconsistent with it
is invalid. All legislation, conduct, and policies must conform to constitutional
provisions.
Question 6
What is the difference between criminal and civil law?
A) There is no difference
B) Criminal law deals with offenses against the state; civil law deals with disputes
between individuals
C) Civil law only applies to businesses
D) Criminal law only applies to violent crimes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Criminal law involves offenses against society prosecuted by the
state, while civil law resolves disputes between private parties seeking
compensation or specific performance.
Question 7
Which court is the highest court in South Africa for constitutional matters?
, A) High Court
B) Supreme Court of Appeal
C) Constitutional Court
D) Magistrate's Court
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Constitutional Court is the highest court in all constitutional
matters. It has the final say on constitutional interpretation and can invalidate
unconstitutional laws.
Question 8
What is "stare decisis"?
A) The doctrine that courts must follow previous decisions
B) The right to remain silent
C) The rule against hearsay evidence
D) The principle of double jeopardy
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Stare decisis means "to stand by things decided." It requires courts
to follow precedents established by higher courts to ensure consistency and
predictability in law.
Question 9
Which of the following is NOT a source of South African law?
A) Legislation
B) Customary law
C) Personal opinion of judges
D) Common law
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sources of South African law include the Constitution, legislation,
||(ANSWERS AND GUIDELINES)| Due Date : 24
September 2026
SJD1501: SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF JUSTICE
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAMINATION
150 Multiple-Choice Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed Explanations
SECTION A: INTRODUCTION TO LAW AND JUSTICE
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of law in society?
A) To punish wrongdoers
B) To maintain order and regulate human conduct
C) To protect the wealthy
D) To create bureaucracy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The primary purpose of law is to maintain order and regulate human
conduct in society. While punishment is one mechanism, the overarching goal is
social order, justice, and peaceful coexistence.
Question 2
Which of the following best describes "justice"?
,A) Always punishing criminals harshly
B) Fairness and equality in the application of law
C) Winning court cases
D) Following the majority opinion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Justice refers to fairness, equality, and impartiality in the application
of laws. It encompasses distributive, procedural, and restorative dimensions.
Question 3
What does the term "ubuntu" mean in the South African legal context?
A) Punishment must fit the crime
B) Humanity towards others and community interconnectedness
C) Innocence until proven guilty
D) Freedom of speech
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Ubuntu is an African philosophical concept meaning "humanity
towards others." In South African constitutional law, it emphasizes human dignity,
community, and restorative justice.
Question 4
Which branch of government is responsible for making laws?
A) The Judiciary
B) The Executive
C) The Legislature
D) The Police
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Legislature (Parliament) makes laws. The Executive implements
laws, and the Judiciary interprets laws. This separation of powers prevents abuse
of authority.
,Question 5
The South African Constitution is considered the supreme law of the land. What
does this mean?
A) It can be changed easily
B) All other laws must comply with it
C) It only applies to government officials
D) It replaces all customary law
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Section 2 of the Constitution states that any law inconsistent with it
is invalid. All legislation, conduct, and policies must conform to constitutional
provisions.
Question 6
What is the difference between criminal and civil law?
A) There is no difference
B) Criminal law deals with offenses against the state; civil law deals with disputes
between individuals
C) Civil law only applies to businesses
D) Criminal law only applies to violent crimes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Criminal law involves offenses against society prosecuted by the
state, while civil law resolves disputes between private parties seeking
compensation or specific performance.
Question 7
Which court is the highest court in South Africa for constitutional matters?
, A) High Court
B) Supreme Court of Appeal
C) Constitutional Court
D) Magistrate's Court
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Constitutional Court is the highest court in all constitutional
matters. It has the final say on constitutional interpretation and can invalidate
unconstitutional laws.
Question 8
What is "stare decisis"?
A) The doctrine that courts must follow previous decisions
B) The right to remain silent
C) The rule against hearsay evidence
D) The principle of double jeopardy
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Stare decisis means "to stand by things decided." It requires courts
to follow precedents established by higher courts to ensure consistency and
predictability in law.
Question 9
Which of the following is NOT a source of South African law?
A) Legislation
B) Customary law
C) Personal opinion of judges
D) Common law
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sources of South African law include the Constitution, legislation,
