SJD1501 Assignment 3
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 2 2025 - DUE 24
September 2025
USER
[Email address]
, SJD1501 Assignment 3 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 2 2025 - DUE 24
September 2025
1. Briefly explain the main difference between a criminal offence and a civil
dispute in South African law. (2 marks)
2. Distinguish between the jurisdiction and roles of the Constitutional Court
and the Supreme Court of Appeal in South Africa. (3 marks)
3. Study the following five cases and for each, state: 1) Whether the case is
civil or criminal in nature, and 2) Which South African court would have
jurisdiction over the matter. 3.1 Thabo negligently drives through a red light
and crashes into Lesedi’s vehicle, causing R600 000 worth of damage. Lesedi
sues Thabo for the damages caused. 3.2 Sam refuses to comply with a
maintenance order issued in favour of his minor child. The child’s mother
lays a charge with the authorities. 3.3 During a heated argument at work,
Sipho threatens to harm his supervisor with a knife. The employer opens a
case at the local police station. 3.4 Zanele’s employer unfairly dismisses her
without following labour procedures. She challenges the dismissal in the
appropriate forum. 3.5 A well-known political party is accused of violating a
section of the Electoral Act during the national elections. The matter is taken
to court for resolution. (10 marks)
4. Discuss the main objectives of South Africa’s civil justice system and its
role in protecting citizens' rights. (5 marks)
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Difference Between a Criminal Offence and a Civil Dispute
3. Jurisdiction and Roles of the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal
4. Case Analysis
4.1 Thabo and Lesedi (Negligent Driving Case)
4.2 Sam and the Maintenance Order
4.3 Sipho’s Threat at the Workplace
4.4 Zanele’s Unfair Dismissal
4.5 Political Party and the Electoral Act Violation
5. Objectives of South Africa’s Civil Justice System
6. Conclusion
7. References
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 2 2025 - DUE 24
September 2025
USER
[Email address]
, SJD1501 Assignment 3 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 2 2025 - DUE 24
September 2025
1. Briefly explain the main difference between a criminal offence and a civil
dispute in South African law. (2 marks)
2. Distinguish between the jurisdiction and roles of the Constitutional Court
and the Supreme Court of Appeal in South Africa. (3 marks)
3. Study the following five cases and for each, state: 1) Whether the case is
civil or criminal in nature, and 2) Which South African court would have
jurisdiction over the matter. 3.1 Thabo negligently drives through a red light
and crashes into Lesedi’s vehicle, causing R600 000 worth of damage. Lesedi
sues Thabo for the damages caused. 3.2 Sam refuses to comply with a
maintenance order issued in favour of his minor child. The child’s mother
lays a charge with the authorities. 3.3 During a heated argument at work,
Sipho threatens to harm his supervisor with a knife. The employer opens a
case at the local police station. 3.4 Zanele’s employer unfairly dismisses her
without following labour procedures. She challenges the dismissal in the
appropriate forum. 3.5 A well-known political party is accused of violating a
section of the Electoral Act during the national elections. The matter is taken
to court for resolution. (10 marks)
4. Discuss the main objectives of South Africa’s civil justice system and its
role in protecting citizens' rights. (5 marks)
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Difference Between a Criminal Offence and a Civil Dispute
3. Jurisdiction and Roles of the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal
4. Case Analysis
4.1 Thabo and Lesedi (Negligent Driving Case)
4.2 Sam and the Maintenance Order
4.3 Sipho’s Threat at the Workplace
4.4 Zanele’s Unfair Dismissal
4.5 Political Party and the Electoral Act Violation
5. Objectives of South Africa’s Civil Justice System
6. Conclusion
7. References
