The question “Why do lawyers need to defend even the worst criminals?” is one that often sparks outrage and moral debate. In South Africa, where crimes such as murder, corruption, and gender-based violence deeply affect society, many people struggle to understand why lawyers would willingly represent those who seem obviously guilty. Yet, this question goes …
Few legal questions provoke as much anger and discomfort as “Why do lawyers defend rapists?” For many South Africans, this question feels deeply personal, especially in a country where gender-based violence remains a national crisis. Yet, within the emotional weight of this issue lies a fundamental truth: lawyers defend accused rapists not to excuse sexual …
The question “Can a lawyer represent themselves in court in South Africa?” often sparks curiosity among both legal professionals and the public. The short answer is yes — a lawyer can legally represent themselves in court. However, while it is allowed under South African law, it is not always a wise decision. The choice comes …
Reporting a lawyer to the Law Society in South Africa means reporting them to the Legal Practice Council (LPC), which replaced all former Law Societies. The LPC enforces the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014 and deals with every case of attorney misconduct. 6 Steps of Reporting a Lawyer to the Law Society in South …
Reasons to file a complaint against an attorney in South Africa are usually based on clear ethical breaches that affect a client’s rights or finances. When an attorney fails to meet professional standards set by the Legal Practice Council (LPC), you have the right to report them for investigation. Each complaint is reviewed under the …
If you are ever in a legal dispute, one of the first questions that may come up is: Can a lawyer contact the other party directly in South Africa? The short answer is no — not when the other party already has a lawyer. South African law is very strict about this. According to the …
There are 10 rules from the Code of Conduct for Legal Practitioners in South Africa that you should know. These are important when you are dealing with lawyers, especially if you want to understand what fair, ethical, and professional conduct looks like. On this page, LegalAdvice.org.za went all out to explain the 10 key rules …
An advocate in South Africa is a legal specialist who represents clients in higher courts, offering expert opinions, preparing arguments, and conducting litigation. Advocates are often described as courtroom lawyers. They are typically instructed by attorneys to argue cases on behalf of clients, especially in complex or high-profile matters. On this page, you will learn …
A victim in South African law is any person who suffers harm, loss, injury, or trauma as a result of a crime or wrongful act. This includes both physical and emotional harm, financial loss, or violations of human dignity. South African law recognises victims not only as witnesses but as individuals with rights to protection, …
The police in South Africa form one of the most important parts of the justice system. Their work goes beyond arresting criminals. They are responsible for maintaining public order, preventing and investigating crimes, protecting citizens, and enforcing laws. On this page, you will learn what the term “police” means within the South African legal framework, …