legal

The Protection from Harassment Act in South Africa serves as a crucial legal shield against stalking and harassment, especially for those vulnerable to gender-based violence. Designed with the intent to safeguard victims, the Act has faced scrutiny and debate over its application. Recently, a troubling trend emerged where men accused of serious crimes, such as rape, have attempted to use the Act to silence women courageous enough to name their alleged perpetrators. Bonita Meyersfeld elaborates on this troubling situation in…

In a world where calamity often echoes with silent suffering, Delta Airlines made a notable decision recently, one that will have tongues wagging across boardrooms and airport lounges alike. As Morgan Durrant, Delta's spokesperson, revealed to Business Insider on Wednesday, the airline's unexpected gesture is not fettered with conditions. But in a world wary of corporate subtext, is there more beneath the surface? We find ourselves unclear regarding the logistics—when and how, specifically, passengers will lay…

In a bold move that’s sending ripples across the political landscape, President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially enacted the much-debated Expropriation Bill. The controversial law paves the way for government entities to seize land in the public interest, but it comes with a set of stringent guidelines aimed at ensuring fair compensation for those affected. With this step, the new legislation effectively dismantles the archaic Expropriation Act of 1975—a remnant of the apartheid era that many saw as outdated and unjust.…

Somalia's Legal Evolution: A Mosaic in the Making The essence of a thriving society often beats in rhythm with the heart of its governing laws. For Somalia, these laws are whispering transformations, evolving in tandem with its vibrant culture and tumultuous history. The Provisional Constitution that emerged in 2012 attempted to create stability but left many areas ripe for further exploration and consensus. The Constitution, a dynamic tapestry of governance, sets the stage for legal structures, political interplay, and…

In a striking turn of events, the special counsel who led the charges against Hunter Biden has publicly accused President Joe Biden of jeopardizing public trust in the justice system. This bold assertion stems from the president's outspoken critiques regarding the investigation into his son's legal troubles. At 54, Hunter Biden faced serious charges—gun and tax-related offenses—that were pursued by special counsel David Weiss. However, he received a presidential pardon from his father in December, a decision that has…

In a move brimming with historical and sentimental significance, Italy handed over a treasure trove of Somali laws and official documents from 1950 through 1989, meant to invigorate Somalia's legal structure and cultural rejuvenation. Italian Ambassador Pier Mario Daccò Coppi presented this digital archive to Somali Minister of Justice Hassan Moalim Mohamud at a poignant ceremony in Mogadishu. The event also poignantly marked the anniversary of the massacre of Italians in the city in 1948. These documents, gifted by Italy's…

In a significant legal development, Ghana's Supreme Court has turned down two attempts aimed at halting the enactment of a contentious piece of legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community. This legislation, formally known as the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, received parliamentary approval in February. Under this bill, individuals from sexual minorities could face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years for engaging in homosexual relations. While the bill boasts substantial backing within Ghana, it has…

Back in 1965, a woman from Norway gave birth to a baby girl at a private hospital. Just a week later, she brought her little bundle of joy home, blissfully unaware of the life-altering mix-up that had occurred during her stay. As time went on, the child's dark curls set her apart from her mother, leading Karen Rafteseth Dokken to speculate that her little one had inherited traits from her husband's mother. It wasn't until nearly sixty years later that the shocking truth emerged: her biological daughter had been switched at…

The United Nations peacekeeping contingent operating in southern Lebanon has vocalized grave concerns regarding what it describes as the Israeli military’s "intentional and overt destruction" of its assets. This, they assert, constitutes a "blatant breach" of international law. This considerable UN force, known as UNIFIL, consists of around 10,000 personnel dedicated to observing tensions along the 'blue line,' which delineates the boundary between Lebanon and Israel. Among these peacekeepers, a contingent of 340 personnel…

The Supreme Court of Liberia has made it clear that lawmakers attempting to oust House Speaker Fonati Koffa must respect the legal procedures in place. This ruling came in response to a petition urging the court to intervene and stop the various factions of legislators who have been conducting their own sessions aimed at unseating the Speaker. In the midst of this political frenzy, Speaker Koffa remains steadfast, declaring that he has no intention of stepping down, despite calls for his resignation. Instead, he has called…