Digital legal material – dearth of decent Apps

LexisNexis consumers will be pleased. The company has released a legal mobile app which allows users to access their entire loose-leaf library remotely. If you have any tablet or smart phone it is definitely worth downloading. Although I love traditional libraries, and still spend many hours in various legal libraries in South Africa, the mobile … Continue reading Digital legal material – dearth of decent Apps

The debt collection industry is rife with fraud and abuse

I am not the first, nor I suspect the last, that will testify to the fact that the debt collection industry in South Africa is in a total mess. Moneyweband ENCAhave both reported extensively on the topic. Unfortunately, and the powerful National Credit Act notwithstanding, thousands of individuals continue to be exploited via fraudulently obtained … Continue reading The debt collection industry is rife with fraud and abuse

The difference between murder and culpable homicide (manslaughter) in South African law

In South African law there are no degrees of murder. There is only a distinction between murder, which is the intentional killing of a human, and culpable homicide (manslaughter), which is the negligent killing of a human. Simply, murder requires intention, whereas culpable homicide requires negligence. Prominent criminal law author CR Snyman[1]argues that South African … Continue reading The difference between murder and culpable homicide (manslaughter) in South African law

Oscar Pistorius Trial – how far will the media push it?

After the ground-breaking decision allowing media almost unfettered access to the Oscar Pistorius criminal trial, a local 24 hours news channel, in direct contravention of a court order allowing the broadcast of the trial, published a still image of the witness. It apologised almost immediately. At any stage, the Court may decide to pull the … Continue reading Oscar Pistorius Trial – how far will the media push it?

Digital Legal Wrap 2013; and into 2014…

Around this time last year I wrote an article Legal Social Media Roundup 2012 and thought it about time I did something similar for 2013… So, although the legal position hasn’t dramatically changed during the twelve of so months per se, law in the digital realm has been developing gently, and amongst a few key … Continue reading Digital Legal Wrap 2013; and into 2014…

Cyber Bullying

A modern phenomenon that is increasingly prevalent in todays technologically sophisticated society is a nuanced form of harassment and intimidation known as cyber bullying. It has lead directly to several teenage suicides and recently the suicide of a 12-year-old child. Cyber bullying can be formally defined as the use of digital technology or technological devices … Continue reading Cyber Bullying

Is a raid on Syria violating international law?

We are living through an event that will shape the future of international law. The use of chemical weapons in Syria has placed United States president Barack Obama in an invidious position. The leader of the so-called free worldhas previously stated that the use of chemical weapons is intolerable, and requires response. An attack on … Continue reading Is a raid on Syria violating international law?

Oscar Pistorius: Murder Trial Information

The Oscar Pistorius murder trial gathered pace in Pretoria on Monday when the indictment was made public by State Prosecutors. The indictment contains two charges, one for premeditated murder, and another for illegal possession of ammunition in terms of the Firearms Control Act. There were no charges relating to the reckless discharge of firearms, as … Continue reading Oscar Pistorius: Murder Trial Information

Oscar Pistorius: What next?

Oscar Pistorius is due to appear in court on Monday 20 August 2013. It is being widely reported by South African media that the South African National Prosecuting Authority (“NPA”) will bring two extra charges, both relating to separate incidents involving the reckless discharge of a firearm. According to E News Channel Africa, the additional … Continue reading Oscar Pistorius: What next?

Technology, Law and Legal Education

The Law Society of South Africa is hosting a discussion forum on the state of Information Communication Technology (“ICT”) relating to lawyers and the practice of law. This critical discussion follows the ICT Policy Colloquium held on 19thand 20th April 2012. The ultimate outcome of the latter policy discussion, facilitated by the South African Government’s … Continue reading Technology, Law and Legal Education