SJD1501 Portfolio
Section 1
1.1. Yes. I see myself workingThe question of who can be a legal practitioner in
South Africa is strictly regulated by legislation andby the inherent common-law
right of the court to regulate its own processes. It is not sufficient tohave a
thorough knowledge of the law to become a legal practitioner. Even those with all
the relevantlegal qualifications and degrees will be admitted to the legal
profession only once they have proventhat they are indeed “fit and proper
persons” for the legal profession.
This means that only persons of a certain character are allowed to practice as lawyers.
The requirement that an individual as an aspirant lawyer must prove to the satisfaction
of the law society that he or she is “a fit and proper person” for the legal profession
underlines the moral basis to the profession. Throughout history, lawyers have been
expected to possess a good moral character.The reason for the character requirement
is generally stated as follows: Lawyers are entrusted with matters related to the affairs,
honour, money, property, confidential information and lives of their clients, and should
be worthy of this trust and confidence.
It is of utmost importance to note that, no justice system in the entire world works
efficiently. They will be loopholes here and there. The issue of corruption within the
justice system is becoming the order of the day. It does not come as a surprise to see
an innocent individual being incarcerated for life on a crime that he or she did not
commit whilst a guilty person walks „scot free‟. That is the „shame‟ within our legal
system. I want to make some rational changes in whatever way I can so that I can serve
the society and make the world a better place.
Experience with online learning. In the beginning it was challenging as there were so
many activities and assignments. It forced me to read a lot and make so many
researches. It is in the comfort of your home or from work thereby making life to
be much easier.
1
, I have learnt to choose the right words when sharing my thoughts with other
participants.
Communication with the TA- It made life easier and taught me to be patient. I
also benefited from the feedbacks to other students.
Engaging with other students showed me how we see things in different perspectives
as individuals, and that critical analysis and thinking can result in
better solutions.
The module helps an individual to become well versed with the legal system because
it „touches‟ on different aspects of the law. I have learnt a lot about South African
legal system.
2
Section 1
1.1. Yes. I see myself workingThe question of who can be a legal practitioner in
South Africa is strictly regulated by legislation andby the inherent common-law
right of the court to regulate its own processes. It is not sufficient tohave a
thorough knowledge of the law to become a legal practitioner. Even those with all
the relevantlegal qualifications and degrees will be admitted to the legal
profession only once they have proventhat they are indeed “fit and proper
persons” for the legal profession.
This means that only persons of a certain character are allowed to practice as lawyers.
The requirement that an individual as an aspirant lawyer must prove to the satisfaction
of the law society that he or she is “a fit and proper person” for the legal profession
underlines the moral basis to the profession. Throughout history, lawyers have been
expected to possess a good moral character.The reason for the character requirement
is generally stated as follows: Lawyers are entrusted with matters related to the affairs,
honour, money, property, confidential information and lives of their clients, and should
be worthy of this trust and confidence.
It is of utmost importance to note that, no justice system in the entire world works
efficiently. They will be loopholes here and there. The issue of corruption within the
justice system is becoming the order of the day. It does not come as a surprise to see
an innocent individual being incarcerated for life on a crime that he or she did not
commit whilst a guilty person walks „scot free‟. That is the „shame‟ within our legal
system. I want to make some rational changes in whatever way I can so that I can serve
the society and make the world a better place.
Experience with online learning. In the beginning it was challenging as there were so
many activities and assignments. It forced me to read a lot and make so many
researches. It is in the comfort of your home or from work thereby making life to
be much easier.
1
, I have learnt to choose the right words when sharing my thoughts with other
participants.
Communication with the TA- It made life easier and taught me to be patient. I
also benefited from the feedbacks to other students.
Engaging with other students showed me how we see things in different perspectives
as individuals, and that critical analysis and thinking can result in
better solutions.
The module helps an individual to become well versed with the legal system because
it „touches‟ on different aspects of the law. I have learnt a lot about South African
legal system.
2
