IRM1501
MAY/JUNE EXAM 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 27 MAY 2025
, IRM1501
May/June Exam 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 27 May 2025
Introduction to Research Methodology for Law and Criminal Justice
QUESTION 1
Social Justice Coalition and Others v Minister of Police and Others (CCT 121/21)
[2022] ZACC 27
(15 Marks)
In this case, a group of organisations, led by the Social Justice Coalition (SJC), took the
Minister of Police to court because they believed the way police officers were being
allocated in the Western Cape was unfair. Their main argument was that poor, mostly
Black communities were not getting enough police resources compared to wealthier,
mainly White areas.
The Constitutional Court agreed with the SJC. It found that the system used to allocate
police officers was outdated and did not consider the different needs of communities.
For example, some areas had much higher crime rates but still had fewer police
officers. The court said this was a form of indirect racial discrimination, which goes
against the right to equality in the South African Constitution (section 9).
The Court ruled that the police must come up with a fairer way to decide how to assign
officers, one that takes into account crime rates and community needs, not just
population size. This case is important because it reminds the government that it must
treat all communities equally and fairly – not just in words, but in actual practice.
MAY/JUNE EXAM 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 27 MAY 2025
, IRM1501
May/June Exam 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 27 May 2025
Introduction to Research Methodology for Law and Criminal Justice
QUESTION 1
Social Justice Coalition and Others v Minister of Police and Others (CCT 121/21)
[2022] ZACC 27
(15 Marks)
In this case, a group of organisations, led by the Social Justice Coalition (SJC), took the
Minister of Police to court because they believed the way police officers were being
allocated in the Western Cape was unfair. Their main argument was that poor, mostly
Black communities were not getting enough police resources compared to wealthier,
mainly White areas.
The Constitutional Court agreed with the SJC. It found that the system used to allocate
police officers was outdated and did not consider the different needs of communities.
For example, some areas had much higher crime rates but still had fewer police
officers. The court said this was a form of indirect racial discrimination, which goes
against the right to equality in the South African Constitution (section 9).
The Court ruled that the police must come up with a fairer way to decide how to assign
officers, one that takes into account crime rates and community needs, not just
population size. This case is important because it reminds the government that it must
treat all communities equally and fairly – not just in words, but in actual practice.
