Law

Items

• unconstitutional act

  Action violates the Supreme Courts' interpretation of the Constitution
• undisturbed possession

  The right to make use of the goods without interference
• unemployment insurance fund

  Gives short-term relief to workers when they become unemployed or are unable to work because of maternity, adoption and parental leave, or illness
• universal heir

  The only heir to the deceased’s estate
• unjust enrichment

  One party is enriched at the expense of another in a way that is deemed unfair or unjust
• ultimate burden of proof

  A legal standard that requires parties to provide evidence to demonstrate that a claim is valid
• unwritten constitution

  The one in which no provisions or laws of the constitution are set in writing but they are documented despite not being incorporated in a single book
• usufruct

  A legal right accorded to a person or party that confers the temporary right to use and derive income or benefit from someone else's property
• valuable consideration

  A sufficient price paid by a party in exchange for something in a contract or sale
• waiver

  The intentional and voluntary giving up of something, such as a right, either by an express statement or by conduct
• written constitution

  A formal document (or set of documents) that codifies the fundamental laws, principles, and structure of a state, including the powers of government and the rights of citizens. In South Africa, this refers specifically to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which is the supreme law.
• will

  A legally binding document in which a person (the testator) sets out how their estate and assets are to be distributed upon their death, and may appoint an executor to administer the estate.
• white paper

  An official government policy document that outlines proposed legislation, policy direction, or reform. It serves as a statement of intent and often follows a green paper (discussion document).
• wreck

  Property (especially a ship, aircraft, or vehicle) that has been destroyed, stranded, or abandoned, typically due to an accident; or goods from such a vessel that are washed ashore (historically relevant in maritime law)
• wronged party

  A person or entity that has suffered harm, loss, or injury as a result of another’s unlawful act or breach of duty, and who may be entitled to a legal remedy.
• wrongdoer

  A person who commits an unlawful act (delict or crime), causing harm to another, and who may be held legally liable or subject to punishment.
• xenophobia

  The irrational fear, hatred, or prejudice against foreigners or people from other countries. In South African law and policy, it is often addressed in relation to constitutional rights such as equality, dignity, and freedom from discrimination.