01 Jun 2017
By Ashersons Attorneys
Dagga – Arrest Risk Remains

Dagga – Arrest Risk Remains

The judgment in Prince v Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and Others; Rubin v National Director of Public Prosecutions and Others; Acton and Others v National Director of Public Prosecutions and Others (4153/2012) [2017] ZAWCHC 30 is on SAFLII. There’s still a lot of confusion as to whether dagga (cannabis) remains an illegal drug in South Africa, fuelled in part by conflicting media reports. Here’s where we stand – First, it is important to note that it remains in general illegal to cultivate, possess, supply or use cannabis “without the necessary authorisation from the Department of Health”. “Medicinal” cannabis…
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23 Nov 2015
By Ashersons Attorneys
Domestic Violence: Report it!

Domestic Violence: Report it!

“To afford the victims of domestic violence the maximum protection from domestic abuse that the law can provide” (Preamble to the Domestic Violence Act) A recent Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) decision underlines the very strong duty on SAPS members to assist victims of domestic violence. The Domestic Violence Act (“domestic violence” isn’t limited to cases of physical harm – it includes a very wide range of abusive conduct) provides legal protection to victims, especially to those most vulnerable such as women, children, disabled people and the elderly.   If you are a victim (or helping a victim) the Police…
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