Precedent and Possibility: The (Ab)use of Law in South Africa Book

Precedent and Possibility examines a series of key cases over the past 60 years, the judgments in which changed the political or social landscape of the country. The choice of cases for inclusion in the book was made both to tell compelling and significant historical stories, as well as to illustrate the possibilities inherent in law, and the potential for its abuse and use. All of the chosen cases were ones where the country held its collective breath before judgment was delivered.

Through the stories told, the reader will not only engage with critical aspects of South African history, but will be exposed to the manner in which the possibility of our new constitutional democracy is linked to the legal precedents, traditions and culture which were built up over the past century.

This is a book that will appeal to readers who enjoy law stories, the drama of the courtroom and the intrigue of legal strategy, as much as to those who engage with political and legal analysis of the nature and future of law in this country.