Case Summaries

Explore important South African court decisions and their implications

S v Makwanyane 1995 (3) SA 391 (CC)

Constitutional Court1995

Key Issue:

Death Penalty

Finding:

The Constitutional Court declared the death penalty unconstitutional.

Significance:

Landmark case establishing South Africa's commitment to human dignity and right to life.

Carmichele v Minister of Safety and Security 2001 (4) SA 938 (CC)

Constitutional Court2001

Key Issue:

State Liability

Finding:

The state can be held liable for failing to protect citizens from foreseeable harm.

Significance:

Expanded constitutional obligations of the state to protect citizens.

Sidumo v Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd 2007 (12) BLLR 1097 (CC)

Constitutional Court2007

Key Issue:

Labour Dispute

Finding:

Set standards for reviewing arbitration awards in labour disputes.

Significance:

Critical case in South African labour law jurisprudence.

Barkhuizen v Napier 2007 (5) SA 323 (CC)

Constitutional Court2007

Key Issue:

Contract Law

Finding:

Examined fairness of contractual terms under the Constitution.

Significance:

Balanced contractual autonomy with constitutional values of fairness.

This is a simplified demonstration. The full platform would include comprehensive summaries of publicly available court decisions from all South African courts with AI-powered explanations.

Virtual LawyerSOUTH AFRICA

Making South African law accessible to every citizen through AI-powered educational resources.

Contact

  • info@virtuallawyersa.co.za
  • Secure & Private

© 2025 Virtual Lawyer SA. All rights reserved. Not affiliated with any government body.

Educational purposes only • Not legal advice