, SJD1501 Assignment 3 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 2 2025
– DUE 24 September 2025;100% trusted ,comprehensive and
complete reliable solution with clear explanation
Assessment 3 - 781406
1. Briefly explain the main difference between a criminal offence
and a civil dispute in South African law.
(2 marks)
A criminal offence is an act or omission that violates laws designed to
protect society as a whole. Such offences are considered harmful not just
to an individual but to the community or state, for example, theft,
assault, or murder. The state prosecutes the offender, seeking to impose
sanctions such as imprisonment, fines, or community service to punish
the wrongdoer and deter others from committing similar acts.
In contrast, a civil dispute arises from disagreements between private
individuals, organisations, or entities over their legal rights and
obligations. Civil cases typically involve matters such as contracts,
property rights, or family law issues (e.g., divorce or custody). The
objective in civil disputes is usually to resolve conflicts through
compensation (damages), specific performance, or injunctions, rather
than punishment.
Thus, the main difference lies in the nature of the wrong and who
pursues the case criminal offences are prosecuted by the state for
– DUE 24 September 2025;100% trusted ,comprehensive and
complete reliable solution with clear explanation
Assessment 3 - 781406
1. Briefly explain the main difference between a criminal offence
and a civil dispute in South African law.
(2 marks)
A criminal offence is an act or omission that violates laws designed to
protect society as a whole. Such offences are considered harmful not just
to an individual but to the community or state, for example, theft,
assault, or murder. The state prosecutes the offender, seeking to impose
sanctions such as imprisonment, fines, or community service to punish
the wrongdoer and deter others from committing similar acts.
In contrast, a civil dispute arises from disagreements between private
individuals, organisations, or entities over their legal rights and
obligations. Civil cases typically involve matters such as contracts,
property rights, or family law issues (e.g., divorce or custody). The
objective in civil disputes is usually to resolve conflicts through
compensation (damages), specific performance, or injunctions, rather
than punishment.
Thus, the main difference lies in the nature of the wrong and who
pursues the case criminal offences are prosecuted by the state for
