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Full-Text Articles in Law
"Big Love"'? The Recognition Of Customary Marriages In South Africa, Penelope Andrews
"Big Love"'? The Recognition Of Customary Marriages In South Africa, Penelope Andrews
Articles & Chapters
This Comment contextualizes the issue of polygamous marriages within the South African constitutional paradigm, one committed unequivocally to the principle of equality. This Comment analyzes how South African law, European in origin, had to incorporate the laws and institutions of indigenous communities within the national legal framework, as part of the overall transformative legal project underway in the country since 1994. By focusing on the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, this Comment examines such incorporation, while questioning its effect on the overall project of constitutionalism, human rights, and equality.
Democracy Stops At My Front Door: Obstacles To Gender Equality In South Africa, Penelope Andrews
Democracy Stops At My Front Door: Obstacles To Gender Equality In South Africa, Penelope Andrews
Articles & Chapters
In South Africa, post-apartheid legislation promulgated in pursuit of the constitutional commitment to equality demonstrates that the government, at least at the formal level, is committed to a comprehensive democratic framework that promotes such equality. Statutes such as the Promotion of Equality and the Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, and the Black Empowerment Act amongst others, attest to the commitment of such a vision. In addition, statutes such as the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, that purport to protect women in polygamous African customary unions, suggest that the South African Parliament is deeply committed …