RRLLB81
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
RESEARCH REPORT
Due Date: April 2026
Interpretation of statutes: is textual interpretation of statute more useful than
contextual interpretation?
By
[RRLLB81 STUDENT]
(012345678)
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
BACHELOR OF LAWS
in the
DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL AND PROCEDURAL LAW
SCHOOL OF LAW
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
Interpretation of statutes: is textual interpretation of statute more useful than
contextual interpretation?
By
[RRLLB81 STUDENT]
(012345678)
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
BACHELOR OF LAWS
in the
DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL AND PROCEDURAL LAW
SCHOOL OF LAW
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
SUPERVISOR: PROF MM MONYAKANE
RRLLB81 ASSESSMENT 2 / FINAL PORTFOLIO
(DUE DATE: April 2026)
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
Abstract
This research examines whether textual interpretation or contextual interpretation of
statutes is better suited to the South African legal system. Traditionally, courts relied
on textual interpretation, which focuses on the literal meaning of statutory words to
determine the intention of the legislature. However, South Africa’s constitutional
democracy has shifted interpretative approaches toward contextual and purposive
interpretation. This study analyses statutory interpretation within the framework of
the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, relevant legislation, and key
judicial decisions. Cases such as Jaga v Donges, Engels v Allied Chemical
Manufacturers (Pty) Ltd, and Minister of Land Affairs v Slamdien illustrate how courts
consider both textual wording and broader context when interpreting statutes. The
research finds that contextual interpretation is generally more appropriate in South
Africa because it aligns legislation with constitutional values, promotes justice, and
ensures that statutes are interpreted within their social and historical context. The
study concludes that while textual interpretation remains important, contextual
interpretation better supports constitutional supremacy and the protection of
fundamental rights.
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
RESEARCH REPORT
Due Date: April 2026
Interpretation of statutes: is textual interpretation of statute more useful than
contextual interpretation?
By
[RRLLB81 STUDENT]
(012345678)
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
BACHELOR OF LAWS
in the
DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL AND PROCEDURAL LAW
SCHOOL OF LAW
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
Interpretation of statutes: is textual interpretation of statute more useful than
contextual interpretation?
By
[RRLLB81 STUDENT]
(012345678)
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
BACHELOR OF LAWS
in the
DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL AND PROCEDURAL LAW
SCHOOL OF LAW
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
SUPERVISOR: PROF MM MONYAKANE
RRLLB81 ASSESSMENT 2 / FINAL PORTFOLIO
(DUE DATE: April 2026)
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
Abstract
This research examines whether textual interpretation or contextual interpretation of
statutes is better suited to the South African legal system. Traditionally, courts relied
on textual interpretation, which focuses on the literal meaning of statutory words to
determine the intention of the legislature. However, South Africa’s constitutional
democracy has shifted interpretative approaches toward contextual and purposive
interpretation. This study analyses statutory interpretation within the framework of
the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, relevant legislation, and key
judicial decisions. Cases such as Jaga v Donges, Engels v Allied Chemical
Manufacturers (Pty) Ltd, and Minister of Land Affairs v Slamdien illustrate how courts
consider both textual wording and broader context when interpreting statutes. The
research finds that contextual interpretation is generally more appropriate in South
Africa because it aligns legislation with constitutional values, promotes justice, and
ensures that statutes are interpreted within their social and historical context. The
study concludes that while textual interpretation remains important, contextual
interpretation better supports constitutional supremacy and the protection of
fundamental rights.
