Ultima spes: regsvernuwing en regsidealisme 1

Abstract

Law reform in South Africa should meet the criterion of legal idealism, as legal idealism embodies the principle of equal justice for all. With this viewpoint the historical development of the concept justice is traced in this article. Furthermore the importance of Roman law. legal history, comparative law and legal pluralism in contemporary and future South Africa is discussed. Recent developments, eg. the South African Law Commission's Bill of Rights and the reform of procedural law, are referred to by the author. The conclusion arrived at is that i f law reform is based on justice; the highest hopes for a just legal order may be realised.