IRM1501
MAY/JUNE EXAM
MEMO | DUE 16-
27 MAY 2025
NO PLAGIARISM
[DATE]
[COMPANY NAME]
[Company address]
,Exam (elaborations)
IRM1501 May/June Exam Memo | Due 16-27
May 2025
Course
Introduction to Research Methodology for Law and C (IRM1501)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
IRM1501 May/June Exam Memo | Due 16-27 May 2025. All questions fully
answered. PORTFPOLIO EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1 Discuss the relevant aspects of the case of Social Justice
Coalition and Others v Minister of Police and Others (CCT 121/21) [2022]
ZACC 27; 2022 (10) BCLR 1267 (CC) (19 July 2022), which is available under
‘Additional resources’. (15 marks)
Social Justice Coalition and Others v Minister of Police and Others (CCT 121/21)
[2022] ZACC 27
Background:
The case arose from a legal challenge brought by the Social Justice Coalition (SJC) and other
civil society organizations against the Minister of Police and the National Commissioner of the
South African Police Service (SAPS). The applicants contended that the police failed to fulfill
their constitutional obligations regarding crime prevention, investigation, and protection of the
community, particularly in informal settlements.
Relevant Aspects of the Case:
1. Constitutional Mandate of the Police:
o The Court emphasized that the SAPS has a constitutional duty under section 205
of the Constitution of South Africa to prevent, combat, and investigate crime,
maintain public order, and protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and
their property.
o The police service must fulfill this mandate in a manner consistent with the Bill of
Rights, ensuring the safety and security of all, including vulnerable communities.
2. State’s Obligation to Provide Security:
o The Court reaffirmed that the State has an enforceable constitutional obligation to
provide adequate policing and public safety.
, o This obligation is not absolute but requires reasonable measures to be taken by the
police to protect citizens, especially in high-crime and vulnerable areas such as
informal settlements.
3. Police Accountability and Oversight:
o The case highlighted deficiencies in the SAPS’s performance, including
inadequate policing and failure to respond effectively to crime in informal
settlements.
o The Court stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in the police
service to ensure that police operations align with constitutional standards and
community needs.
4. Community Participation and Engagement:
o The judgment recognized the role of community organizations and civil society in
holding the police accountable and contributing to improved policing strategies.
o Meaningful engagement between police and communities is essential for effective
crime prevention and trust-building.
5. Remedial Orders and Monitoring:
o The Court ordered that the SAPS develop and implement plans to improve
policing in informal settlements.
o The judgment included a directive for periodic reporting and monitoring of police
progress to ensure compliance with constitutional obligations.
6. Broader Impact on Social Justice:
o The case underscored the link between effective policing and social justice,
emphasizing that inadequate police protection perpetuates inequality and
marginalization of vulnerable populations.
o The Court’s decision promotes social justice by enforcing the State’s duty to
protect all communities equitably.
Summary:
In Social Justice Coalition v Minister of Police, the Constitutional Court clarified the State’s
constitutional responsibility to provide effective policing services, especially in marginalized
areas such as informal settlements. The ruling reinforced police accountability, the importance of
community engagement, and the necessity for the SAPS to take reasonable steps to uphold
citizens’ right to security. This case is pivotal in strengthening social justice by demanding that
the State meet its constitutional duties to protect all inhabitants fairly and transparently.
Case Summary: Social Justice Coalition and Others v Minister of Police and
Others (CCT 121/21) [2022] ZACC 27
MAY/JUNE EXAM
MEMO | DUE 16-
27 MAY 2025
NO PLAGIARISM
[DATE]
[COMPANY NAME]
[Company address]
,Exam (elaborations)
IRM1501 May/June Exam Memo | Due 16-27
May 2025
Course
Introduction to Research Methodology for Law and C (IRM1501)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
IRM1501 May/June Exam Memo | Due 16-27 May 2025. All questions fully
answered. PORTFPOLIO EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1 Discuss the relevant aspects of the case of Social Justice
Coalition and Others v Minister of Police and Others (CCT 121/21) [2022]
ZACC 27; 2022 (10) BCLR 1267 (CC) (19 July 2022), which is available under
‘Additional resources’. (15 marks)
Social Justice Coalition and Others v Minister of Police and Others (CCT 121/21)
[2022] ZACC 27
Background:
The case arose from a legal challenge brought by the Social Justice Coalition (SJC) and other
civil society organizations against the Minister of Police and the National Commissioner of the
South African Police Service (SAPS). The applicants contended that the police failed to fulfill
their constitutional obligations regarding crime prevention, investigation, and protection of the
community, particularly in informal settlements.
Relevant Aspects of the Case:
1. Constitutional Mandate of the Police:
o The Court emphasized that the SAPS has a constitutional duty under section 205
of the Constitution of South Africa to prevent, combat, and investigate crime,
maintain public order, and protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and
their property.
o The police service must fulfill this mandate in a manner consistent with the Bill of
Rights, ensuring the safety and security of all, including vulnerable communities.
2. State’s Obligation to Provide Security:
o The Court reaffirmed that the State has an enforceable constitutional obligation to
provide adequate policing and public safety.
, o This obligation is not absolute but requires reasonable measures to be taken by the
police to protect citizens, especially in high-crime and vulnerable areas such as
informal settlements.
3. Police Accountability and Oversight:
o The case highlighted deficiencies in the SAPS’s performance, including
inadequate policing and failure to respond effectively to crime in informal
settlements.
o The Court stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in the police
service to ensure that police operations align with constitutional standards and
community needs.
4. Community Participation and Engagement:
o The judgment recognized the role of community organizations and civil society in
holding the police accountable and contributing to improved policing strategies.
o Meaningful engagement between police and communities is essential for effective
crime prevention and trust-building.
5. Remedial Orders and Monitoring:
o The Court ordered that the SAPS develop and implement plans to improve
policing in informal settlements.
o The judgment included a directive for periodic reporting and monitoring of police
progress to ensure compliance with constitutional obligations.
6. Broader Impact on Social Justice:
o The case underscored the link between effective policing and social justice,
emphasizing that inadequate police protection perpetuates inequality and
marginalization of vulnerable populations.
o The Court’s decision promotes social justice by enforcing the State’s duty to
protect all communities equitably.
Summary:
In Social Justice Coalition v Minister of Police, the Constitutional Court clarified the State’s
constitutional responsibility to provide effective policing services, especially in marginalized
areas such as informal settlements. The ruling reinforced police accountability, the importance of
community engagement, and the necessity for the SAPS to take reasonable steps to uphold
citizens’ right to security. This case is pivotal in strengthening social justice by demanding that
the State meet its constitutional duties to protect all inhabitants fairly and transparently.
Case Summary: Social Justice Coalition and Others v Minister of Police and
Others (CCT 121/21) [2022] ZACC 27
