What question did this study set out to answer?

This work aims to illuminate Justice Albie Sachs's contributions to the South African Constitution and democratic principles through his unique legal philosophy.

May 25, 2026Open Access

Infusing the constitution with 'an ethic of care': the humane jurisprudence of Justice Albie Sachs

Key Points

This work aims to illuminate Justice Albie Sachs's contributions to the South African Constitution and democratic principles through his unique legal philosophy.
Analysis of academic literature, interviews, and media articles related to Justice Sachs's work.
Review of key judgments and writings by Justice Sachs to illustrate his impact on constitutional law.
Examination of thematic elements like ubuntu and storytelling in his legal philosophy.
Highlights of Sachs's life as a liberator and jurist are presented.
Groundbreaking judgments showcasing his legal impact are detailed.
Identifies themes such as ubuntu and an ethic of care that characterize his approach to jurisprudence.

Abstract

The chapter draws on academic literature, the Constitution, various interview transcriptions, judgments, Justice Sachs��s own writings, lectures and speeches as well as media articles or coverage of his contributions in the political and legal landscape of South Africa. It is divided into three main parts. The first sketches the background, where we provide an abbreviated ��biography�� of the life of Albie Sachs as liberator, jurist and beyond. The second provides an overview of his contribution to the evolution of the Constitution and to a democratic society through a selection of his most ground-breaking judgments. The third part identifies the themes we find in his work (ubuntu, an ethic of care, storytelling, reconciliation and restoration) and describes his journey in the making (and continued protection) of the Constitution �� one could say his perpetual love of the Constitution.

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