The Legal Resources Centre : Papers and Lectures

Lectures, Speeches and Papers

Comments made at the Gordon Institute for Business Science Forum on the independence of the judiciary

The independence of the judiciary is generally regarded as being an essential component of democratic government. There should be no doubt about this. It is spelt out in our Constitution, which gives effect to internationally accepted principles, which have been applied in judgments of the Constitutional Court.

Arthur Chaskalson

20/08/2008
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THE EMPERORS NEW CLOTHES: BRAM FISCHER AND THE NEED FOR DISSENT

I would like to begin with a story… which you know very well. It is the story of the emperor who had a particular affinity for fine clothing. He wore the most expensive and rare garments on earth. One day he was approached by this mysterious tailor who claimed that he could make him the most beautiful and extraordinary garment ever. Of course the emperor fell for this, particularly the part promising him that this stunningly beautiful garment would be visible to only the most intelligent of people.

Chief Justice Pius Langa

03/05/2007
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ADDRESS TO THE DSO NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Chapter 8 of the Constitution headed Courts and Administration of Justice provides in section 165(2):

The courts are independent and subject only to the Constitution and the law, which they must apply impartially and without fear, favour or prejudice.

21/04/2007
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Challenging environmental injustice finding the teeth

I want to talk about the importance of using the basket of new environmental legislation to fight environmental injustice.

To do so I must explain that environmental justice is about the fair distribution in society of environmental hazards and risks and access to natural resources.

Ellen Nicol

01/11/2006
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THE BRAM FISCHER LIBRARY AND CONFERENCE ROOM

THE LEGAL RESOURCE CENTRE, situated in downtown Johannesburg, is an independent non-profit legal institute which seeks to use law as an instrument for justice in South Africa. The Centre, which was established by Felicia Kentridge, Arthur Chaskalson and Geoff Budlender, also works for the development of a democratic society which functions in accordance with the principles of social justice and human rights.

15/08/2006
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BRAM FISCHER: LESSONS IN PASSION FOR THE HEREAFTER

Bram Fischer: Afrikaner Revolutionary A Book Review by Wilhelm Snyman "A life begins long before it starts; it endures long after it ends." While it is true for anyone in the politically, ideologically fraught context of South Africa, those words acquire a very particular hue when Bram Fischer is the life referred to.

Wilhelm Snyman

15/08/2006
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BRAM FISCHER POSTHOUMUSLY REINSTATED TO ROLL OF ATTORNEYS

In the inaugural Bram Fischer lecture, initiated by the Legal Resources Centre, then President Nelson Mandela said of Bram Fischer: Even his political opponents would agree with us his comrades that Bram Fischer could have become Prime Minister or the Chief Justice of South Africa if he had chosen to follow the narrow path of Afrikaner nationalism. He chose instead the long and hard road to freedom not only for himself, but for all of us. He chose the road that had to pass through the jail. He travelled it with courage and dignity. He served as an example to many who followed him.

15/08/2006
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FIRST DRAFT FROM RACIAL DISCRIMINATION TO RECONCILIATION

The vast majority of the people of South Africa were discriminated against by the whites-only government for three and a half centuries because they were black.
In 1948 apartheid was declared the official policy of the country and many laws were passed to make their lives even worse.
If you were black, you were discriminated against from the cradle to the grave.

George Bizos

07/07/2006
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INTERNATIONAL TORTURE DAY (Trauma Centre For The Survivors Of Violence And Torture)

Chairperson, honoured guests Comrades Ahmed Kathrada and Farieda Omar, the new director of the Trauma Centre, Ms Vimla Pillay, the previous director of the Trauma Centre Ms Nomfundo Walaza, friends, comrades, ladies and gentlemen.

Vincent Saldanha

26/06/2006
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WORDS AND DEEDS (delivered at Columbia University)

During the freedom struggle waged by the people of against Ian Smith's illegitimate government in place Rhodesia Robert Gabriel Mugabe emerged as its leader. On the eve of Zimbabwe's independence in 1980 Mugabe, then the Prime Minister-elect was widely acclaimed as one of the great sons of Africa. In a speech that won him even more support as a statesman he said...

George Bizos

11/04/2006
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