Serving the Judiciary?
The South African Judicial Service Commission 2009-2022
Is the performance of the JSC up to scratch? FUL has examined the JSC’s roles in appointing and disciplining judges and produced this report. It has also submitted to the JSC a number of recommendations for the future. The report was launched virtually on 29 November 2022 — here is a video of the launch.
READ THE REPORT
Sydney Kentridge 100
A member of FUL’s International Advisory Board On 5 November 2022 Freedom Under Law had the privilege and singular pleasure of congratulating its oldest office-bearer on the occasion of his one-hundredth birthday. Until his retirement from active practice ten years ago, Sir Sydney Kentridge KCMG KC was undoubtedly the foremost advocate in the English-speaking world.
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FUL welcomes suspension of Judge Hlophe
Freedom Under Law welcomes the decision by the President yesterday to suspend the Judge President of the Western Cape High Court, Judge MJ Hlophe, in terms of section 177 (3) of the Constitution.
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Thulani Maseko 1970-2023
He lived by the motto: "My head is bloody, but unbowed ... I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul."
MEDIA RELEASE
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Promoting Democracy Under Law

• Advancing understanding of and respect for the Rule of Law •  Litigating in relation to institutional conduct in conflict with the Rule of Law • Strengthening the independence of the judiciary •  Supporting the legal profession in serving the courts • Enhancing understanding between legal role-players, the media and society at large • Furthering legal education appropriate to the needs of constitutional democracy • Protecting freedom of speech and freedom of the media concerning the administration of justice.

Our mission

FUL’s objectives are the promotion of democracy and the advancement of the Rule of Law and the principle of legality, understanding these to be the foundation for constitutional democracy in Southern Africa.

How we work

Litigation before the courts

Primarily, FUL uses litigation before the courts as its defining method of promoting and defending the Rule of Law and democracy across the region. The composition of its board affords it particular expertise and experience in this area.

Trial observation

However, litigation is not the only distinguishing feature of Freedom Under Law's approach. FUL also undertakes trial observation across the region and seeks to coordinate informed debate of topical regional legal issues.

Address threats to the Rule of Law

Recognising the importance of the criminal justice system to the Rule of Law and the realisation of any number of rights, FUL has since its inception sought to make this a particular focus area, although it directs its efforts wherever it believes it may effectively address threats to the Rule of Law.

It encourages the public and legal practitioners alike from across the region to make contact in the event that FUL can provide assistance.

Non-profit company

FUL is registered as a non-profit company and a public benefit organisation.

FREEDOM UNDER LAW NPC REG.
NO. 2008 000 384 08

PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION REF.
NO. 930031764

Board of Directors

Elize Angula

Elize Angula is a director of AngulaCo Incorporated based in Windhoek, Namibia. She is a seasoned litigator, conveyancer, mediator and

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Judge Azhar Cachalia

Recently retired as a judge of South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal, Azhar Cachalia remains committed to safeguarding constitutionalism, non-racialism

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David Broodryk

A law graduate of the University of Port Elizabeth (now the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University), and the University of South

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Ezra Davids

Ezra Davids, an alumnus of the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Harvard Law School Executive Programme, is Chairman and

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Beatrice Mtetwa

Beatrice Mtetwa is a Zimbabwe-based lawyer who graduated from the then University of Botswana and Swaziland with an LLB degree

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Service Providers

Freedom Under Law expresses its gratitude for the fully pro bono or subsidised professional expertise and time of these agencies. We would not be able to function without this invaluable support.

Ongoing Cases

Concluded Cases

Richard Mdluli

In September 2020, Richard Mdluli, former head of Crime Intelligence in the SAPS, was sentenced in the High Court, Johannesburg to an effective five years

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Serving the Judiciary?

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