"Legislative Interpretation: Textual vs. Contextual Approach in South African Law."
By
Let’s Crack the Question
(5780082)
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
BACHELOR OF LAWS
In the
SCHOOL OF LAW
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
SUPERVISOR: PROFESSOR JJ KORTJAS
(PORTFOLIO / ASSIGNMENT 02)
2023
1
,1. I understand what academic dishonesty entails and am aware of
Unisa’s policies in this regard.
2. I declare that this assignment is my own, original work. Where I
have used someone else’s work, I have indicated this by using
the prescribed style of referencing. Every contribution to, and
quotation in, this assignment from the work or works of other
people has been referenced according to the prescribed style.
3. I have not allowed, and will not allow, anyone to copy my work
with the intention of passing it off as his or her own work.
4. I did not make use of another student’s work and submit it as my
own.
NAME:
SIGNATURE:
STUDENT NUMBER:
MODULE CODE:
DATE:
TOPIC SELECTED:
MARK RECEIVED FOR ASSIGNMENT 01:
MARK RECEIVED FOR ASSIGNMENT 02:
2
, SUMMARY
In the realm of legislative interpretation, two predominant methods exist: textual and
contextual. The former involves interpreting laws based on their written words, often
seen as the 'orthodox' approach. The latter, known as contextual or purposive
interpretation, considers various factors beyond the text to determine legislative
intent. While Parliament drafts laws, contextual interpretation doesn't necessarily
undermine its authority; rather, it aims to ensure that laws achieve their intended
purpose and adapt to changing circumstances. This approach might involve
considering historical context, societal values, and legislative objectives. In a
Constitutional State like South Africa, the choice between these methods depends
on the balance between upholding parliamentary authority and fulfilling the
constitution's intent. Contextual interpretation can enhance the responsiveness of
laws to evolving needs, making it a viable option in South African law alongside
textual interpretation, promoting a harmonious coexistence of both methods.
KEYWORDS
legislative interpretation, textual interpretation, contextual interpretation, legislative
intent, parliamentary authority, intended purpose, changing circumstances, historical
context, societal values, legislative objectives, Constitutional State, South Africa,
balance, constitution's intent, responsiveness, evolving needs, coexistence.
3
By
Let’s Crack the Question
(5780082)
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
BACHELOR OF LAWS
In the
SCHOOL OF LAW
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
SUPERVISOR: PROFESSOR JJ KORTJAS
(PORTFOLIO / ASSIGNMENT 02)
2023
1
,1. I understand what academic dishonesty entails and am aware of
Unisa’s policies in this regard.
2. I declare that this assignment is my own, original work. Where I
have used someone else’s work, I have indicated this by using
the prescribed style of referencing. Every contribution to, and
quotation in, this assignment from the work or works of other
people has been referenced according to the prescribed style.
3. I have not allowed, and will not allow, anyone to copy my work
with the intention of passing it off as his or her own work.
4. I did not make use of another student’s work and submit it as my
own.
NAME:
SIGNATURE:
STUDENT NUMBER:
MODULE CODE:
DATE:
TOPIC SELECTED:
MARK RECEIVED FOR ASSIGNMENT 01:
MARK RECEIVED FOR ASSIGNMENT 02:
2
, SUMMARY
In the realm of legislative interpretation, two predominant methods exist: textual and
contextual. The former involves interpreting laws based on their written words, often
seen as the 'orthodox' approach. The latter, known as contextual or purposive
interpretation, considers various factors beyond the text to determine legislative
intent. While Parliament drafts laws, contextual interpretation doesn't necessarily
undermine its authority; rather, it aims to ensure that laws achieve their intended
purpose and adapt to changing circumstances. This approach might involve
considering historical context, societal values, and legislative objectives. In a
Constitutional State like South Africa, the choice between these methods depends
on the balance between upholding parliamentary authority and fulfilling the
constitution's intent. Contextual interpretation can enhance the responsiveness of
laws to evolving needs, making it a viable option in South African law alongside
textual interpretation, promoting a harmonious coexistence of both methods.
KEYWORDS
legislative interpretation, textual interpretation, contextual interpretation, legislative
intent, parliamentary authority, intended purpose, changing circumstances, historical
context, societal values, legislative objectives, Constitutional State, South Africa,
balance, constitution's intent, responsiveness, evolving needs, coexistence.
3
