SJD1501
ASSIGNMENT 3 SEMESTER 2 2024
UNIQUE NO.568042
DUE DATE: 12 SEPTEMBER 2024
, ALTERNATIVELY;
1. Differences between Criminal and Civil Cases
Criminal Cases: These cases involve the state prosecuting someone for actions
deemed harmful to society, like theft or assault. The goal here is to determine if the
accused is guilty and, if so, to impose a punishment such as jail time or fines.
Civil Cases: These are disputes between private individuals or organizations, such as
conflicts over contracts or property. The main aim is to resolve the disagreement and
provide compensation or other remedies to the person who has been wronged.
2. Differences between High Courts and Magistrates’ Courts
High Courts: These are superior courts that deal with serious criminal and civil cases.
They also handle appeals from Magistrates’ Courts and cases involving complex legal
issues or significant amounts of money.
Magistrates’ Courts: These are lower courts that address less severe criminal cases
and civil disputes involving smaller sums of money, usually under R400,000. They are
more accessible and often the first point of contact for legal matters.
3. Case Analysis: Criminal or Civil, and Court Jurisdiction
3.1 Obakeng’s Case
Type: Civil Case
Reason: It’s about suing a social media company for mishandling user data.
Court: High Court, because the claim amount is R850,000, which is above the
Magistrates’ Court's limit.
ASSIGNMENT 3 SEMESTER 2 2024
UNIQUE NO.568042
DUE DATE: 12 SEPTEMBER 2024
, ALTERNATIVELY;
1. Differences between Criminal and Civil Cases
Criminal Cases: These cases involve the state prosecuting someone for actions
deemed harmful to society, like theft or assault. The goal here is to determine if the
accused is guilty and, if so, to impose a punishment such as jail time or fines.
Civil Cases: These are disputes between private individuals or organizations, such as
conflicts over contracts or property. The main aim is to resolve the disagreement and
provide compensation or other remedies to the person who has been wronged.
2. Differences between High Courts and Magistrates’ Courts
High Courts: These are superior courts that deal with serious criminal and civil cases.
They also handle appeals from Magistrates’ Courts and cases involving complex legal
issues or significant amounts of money.
Magistrates’ Courts: These are lower courts that address less severe criminal cases
and civil disputes involving smaller sums of money, usually under R400,000. They are
more accessible and often the first point of contact for legal matters.
3. Case Analysis: Criminal or Civil, and Court Jurisdiction
3.1 Obakeng’s Case
Type: Civil Case
Reason: It’s about suing a social media company for mishandling user data.
Court: High Court, because the claim amount is R850,000, which is above the
Magistrates’ Court's limit.
