Derived from the renowned multi-volume International Encyclopaedia of Laws, this book provides ready access to how the legal dimension of prevention against harm and loss allocation is treated in South Africa. This traditional branch of law not only tackles questions which concern every lawyer, whatever his legal expertise, but also concerns each person’s most fundamental rights on a worldwide scale. Following a general introduction that probes the distinction between tort and crime and the relationship between tort and contract, the monograph describes how the concepts of fault and unlawfulness, and of duty of care and negligence, are dealt with in both the legislature and the courts. The book then proceeds to cover specific cases of liability, such as professional liability, liability of public bodies, abuse of rights, injury to reputation and privacy, vicarious liability, liability of parents and teachers, liability for handicapped persons, product liability, environmental liability, and liability connected with road and traffic accidents. Principles of causation, grounds of justification, limitations on recovery, assessment of damages and compensation, and the role of private insurance and social security are all closely considered. Its succinct yet scholarly nature, as well as the practical quality of the information it provides, make this book a valuable resource for lawyers in South Africa. Academics and researchers will also welcome this very useful guide, and will appreciate its value not only as a contribution to comparative law but also as a stimulus to harmonization of the rules on tort.

Previous works on Southern African law have been directed primarily to lawyers and students of law within Southern Africa; this is the first major text on the topic written for use in common law countries. The book identifies and describes judgments in Southern Africa courts that are significant for their treatment of conflicts and tort issues and can serve as authorities or models in common law jurisdictions. The most important legislative reforms in related subjects are also described. The text provides lawyers in common law countries access to the Southern African cases and statutes most pertinent to questions of conflict of laws and torts that arise in common law jurisdiction. The judgments surveyed span the years 1947 to the present. Most are from South Africa and Zimbabwe (before and after independence), Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, and South West Africa/Namibia; the South African national states are also represented. Helpful English-language commentaries on cases and statutes discussed in the text are cited in the notes. Quick reference tables of cases and statutes, and indexes of principal works cited and abbrevations complete this useful guide. This invaluable sourcebook will allow lawyers and scholars in common law countries to benefit from recognition and appropriate use of Southern Africa's contributions to the common law in torts and conflict of laws.

The Law of Delict in South Africa, third edition, offers an introduction to the general principles of delictual law. Comprehensive in scope, while clear and concise, the text provides a rich contextual framework which supports understanding and application of the principles. Thoroughly revised and updated to July 2017, the third edition reflects important legal developments, including new material relating to statutory liability for compensation, a discussion which frames the law of delict within the context of a constitutionally transformative, multi-cultural society, and a focus on cyber and media issues, conduct and liability. The implications of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 and the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013, on the scope of the law of delict, are highlighted. The text supports learning and the development of independent academic skills through challenging and engaging pedagogical features, which bring an applied, critical and reflective approach to the content.