NCJ Number
135850
Journal
Social Justice Volume: 18 Issue: 1-2 Dated: (Spring-Summer 1991) Pages: 141-153
Date Published
1991
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Transforming the South African criminal justice system into a democratic justice system will depend largely on the transformation of the broader government and social structure along democratic lines.
Abstract
Democracy involves both individual freedom and participation in political action. A democratic justice system envisages limited government, with basic human rights and civil liberties protected from arbitrary governmental intrusions. In South Africa, the legacies of the apartheid system may prevent the democratization of criminal justice, because the social formations and practices of apartheid create conditions and norms that undercut a democratic ethos. In addition, a strong centralized government will be needed to counteract deeply ingrained divisions and vested interests. Nevertheless, a democratic criminal justice system with more accountable police can both result from and help produce a wider political process that makes the government more accountable in general. 48 references