Glossary
A
Act
A law, also known as a statute or legislation.
Amicus curiae
A person or organisation that, with the court’s permission, gets involved in a court case to assist the court with special insight or expertise on matters that may have a bearing on the case. Also known as a “friend of the court”.
Assent
B
Bill
A proposed law. Normally written by a State department and submitted to Parliament for deliberation.
Bill of Rights
Found in Chapter 2 of the Constitution and contains the full list of human (also known as fundamental) rights for everyone in South Africa.
By-law
A law made by a local municipality (as per s 156(2) of the Constitution).
C
CGE
The Commission for Gender Equality. A State institution established in Chapter 9 of the Constitution and whose functions are set out in s 187 of the Constitution.
Chapter 9 institutions
Constitution
Constitutional Court
Common law
Crimen iniuria
CRL
CSE
D
Democracy
E
Equality
Equality Act
Equality Court
Executive
The branch of government responsible for enforcing the law as written by Parliament and interpreted by the courts. For example: State departments. The Executive is accountable to Parliament.
F
FOR SA
Freedom of Religion South Africa, a legal advocacy organisation working to protect and promote religious freedom in South Africa.
FPB
Freedom of association
Freedom of expression
“Friend of the Court”
A person or organisation that, with the court’s permission, gets involved in a court case to assist the court with special insight or expertise on matters that may have a bearing on the case. Also known as an amicus curiae.
H
Hate speech
Human dignity
Judiciary
L
Legislature
LGBTQ+
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, etc.
Limitations clause
Section 36 of the Constitution. Sets out the circumstances under which a fundamental right in the Bill of Rights can reasonably and justifiably be limited/infringed upon.
M
Minister
P
PAIA
PAJA
Parliament
The legislative branch of government that makes the law, and comprising two houses namely the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces. Made up of members elected by the citizens as their representatives (referred to as “Members of Parliament”). Parliament is accountable to the people of South Africa.
PEPUDA
POPI
Portfolio committee
Parliament divides into different portfolio committees, with a committee for each corresponding government department. Parliament’s law‑making and oversight over the executive happens in these committees.
Privacy
Public participation
Public involvement in Parliament’s law-making process, normally either through submissions or hearings.
R
Regulation
Religious freedom
S
SACRRF
South African Charter of Religious Rights and Freedoms. A document endorsed by multiple religious groups, communities and leaders in South Africa and which explains the various elements of the right to religious freedom. The custodians of the SACRFF is the Council for the Protection and Promotion of Religious Rights and Freedoms.
SAHRC
SCA
The Supreme Court of Appeal, the second highest court in South Africa, situated in Bloemfontein, Free State.
SCOTUS
Statute
U
UN
Unfair discrimination
When you, without a good reason in law, withhold a benefit or impose a burden on someone, because of e.g. their race, gender, religion, etc. Illegal in terms of s 9(4) of the Constitution.