Trata-se de estudo acerca da admissibilidade dos pactos de limitação da responsabilidade contratual no Direito Brasileiro e, em especial, nos contratos de transporte de carga. O primeiro capítulo trata da definição jurídica da cláusula de limitação de responsabilidade e de sua função econômica. O segundo capítulo aponta as diferentes manifestações de cláusulas de limitação de responsabilidades na prática contratual e as distingue de figuras próximas, tais quais a transação e as cláusulas de redução de garantias. O terceiro capítulo trata da admissibilidade a priori das cláusulas de limitação de responsabilidade no Direito Brasileiro. Nesse terceiro capítulo, são enfrentadas as principais objeções à validade da cláusula de limitação de responsabilidade, tanto sob a perspectiva da dogmática jurídica quanto sob a perspectiva das consequências sociais produzidas pela cláusula. A conclusão do terceiro capítulo é que, a princípio, as cláusulas de limitação de responsabilidade são admitidas no Direito Brasileiro. No quarto capítulo, são enfrentadas as questões dogmáticas específicas acerca da validade da cláusula de limitação. Identificam-se, nesse capítulo, os requisitos de validade da cláusula de limitação de responsabilidade no que diz respeito (i) aos atos que deram causa ao inadimplemento; (ii) aos tipos de obrigações violadas; e (iii) aos efeitos da cláusula sobre o equilíbrio contratual. São analisados, ainda, os requisitos de validade da cláusula nos contratos por adesão. O quinto capítulo trata da cláusula de limitação de responsabilidade no contrato de transporte de carga. No quinto capítulo se demonstrará que as limitações de responsabilidade do transportador previstas em leis e convenções internacionais acerca dos diferentes modais de transporte, em verdade, têm natureza contratual: consistem em cláusulas de limitação implícitas. As cláusulas de limitação de responsabilidade, tanto implícitas, quanto explícitas, inseridas em conhecimentos de transporte estão sujeitas aos requisitos de validade das cláusulas de limitação de responsabilidade em contratos por adesão. O quinto capítulo ainda enfrenta questões dogmáticas relativas à interpretação e eficácia das cláusulas de limitação de responsabilidade. / The purpose of this thesis is to further understand the admissibility of agreements to limit contractual liability in Brazilian Law, especially in what concerns contracts for carriage of goods. The first chapter is focused on the legal definition on the liability limitation cause and the economic function thereof. In turn, the second chapter refers to the different kinds of liability limitation clauses in contractual praxis, distinguishing such clauses from similar legal concepts, such as settlement clauses and clauses to reduce warranties. The purpose of the third chapter is to discuss the a priori admissibility of liability limitation clauses in Brazilian law, with respect to the main objections to the validity thereof, both in relation to the jurists opinion on the matter and from the perspective of the social consequences brought forth by said clauses. The conclusion drawn in the third chapter is that liability limitation clauses are, in a first glance, valid under Brazilian law. The fourth chapter addresses the specific issues of the doctrine relative to the validity of limitation clauses, thereby identifying the validity requirements of the liability limitation clause in what concerns (i) the acts that gave rise to the nonperformance, (ii) the types of non-performed obligations, and (iii) the effects of the clause on contractual balance. In addition, the validity requirements of the clause are assessed in standard form contracts. The fifth chapter focuses on the liability limitation clauses within contracts for carriage of goods, whereby it will be demonstrated that the limitations of the carriers liability provided for by laws and international conventions on different transportation modes are in fact of a contractual nature, for they are implied limitation clauses. Both explicit and implied liability limitation clauses included in bills of lading are subject to the validity requirements of liability limitation clauses set forth in standard form contracts. The fifth chapter furthermore addresses some controversial issues related to the interpretation and effectiveness of liability limitation clauses in contracts for carriage of goods.

Magister Legum - LLM / This mini-thesis is based on the presumption that the Danish cartoons and the anti-Muslim clip posted on YouTube as forms of expression, ridiculed the religious beliefs and practices of Muslims which in turn affected the exercise of religious freedom as it violated the dignity of the bearers of the right to freedom of religion and therefore a conflict between the right to freedom of religion and freedom of expression exists. The above incidence of conflict between the right to freedom of religion and freedom of expression involves infringing the freedom of religion of the Islamic community. Blasphemy in Islam is speech that is insulting to God, but during the course of Muslim history it has become increasingly linked with insult to the Prophet Muhammad. In Islam the depiction of the Prophet Muhammad in any way is strictly forbidden and is considered blasphemous.

Text in Afrikaans / Die sogenaamde vermoede van onskuld is via die Engelse Reg in ons reg oorgeneem en tot konstitusionele status verhoog met die daarstelling van artikel 25(3)(c) van die Grondwet, No. 200 van 1993. Hierdie reg om onskuldig geag te word en die gepaardgaande swygreg, wat hier kortliks aangeraak word, kan egter aan beperking onderhewig wees soos bepaal deur artikel 33 van die Grondwet. Die beginsels soos ontwikkel in Kanada en Amerika word ondersoek. Die slotsom waartoe geraak word is dat, alhoewel historiese en ander verskille deurgaans voor oe gehou sal moet word, die regspraak in genoemde jurisdiksies, en meer spesifiek Kanada, 'n groat rol sal speel by die inhoud wat die SuidA: frik:aanse howe, in die konteks van statutere vermoedens, aan die konstitusionele reg om onskuldig geag te word, sal gee. / The so-called presumption of innocence has been inherited from the English common law and awarded constitutional status by the introduction of section 25(3)(c) ofthe Constitution, Act 200 ofl993. This right to be presumed innocent and the accompanying right to remain silent, which is briefly touched upon, are however not absolute and can be subject to limitation as provided for by section 33 ofthe Constitution. The principles, as they have been developed in Canada and America, are investigated. The conclusion which is drawn is that, despite historical and other differences, it can be expected that foreign jurisprudence, particularly that of Canada, will play a major role in the content that will be given by the South African courts to the right to be presumed innocent in the context of statutory presumptions. / Criminal & Procedural Law / LL. M.

The Zuma case - important as the first decision of the Constitutional Court - is primarily concerned with the constitutionality of section 217(l)(b)(ii) of the Criminal Procedure Act. In trying to fmd an answer to this question, the Constitutional Court also addressed other important issues. In this dissertation the Constitutional Court's decision on the constitutionality of section 217(1)(b)(ii) is examined, as well as important general principles laid down by the Court regarding incompetent referrals by the Supreme Court; constitutional interpretation; reverse onus provisions and the right to a fair trial; as well as the application of the general limitation clause. A closer look is taken at adherence to these principles in subsequent Constitutional Court decisions, and finally a conclusion is reached on the value of the Zuma case. / Law / LL.M. (Law)

Text in Afrikaans / Die sogenaamde vermoede van onskuld is via die Engelse Reg in ons reg oorgeneem en tot konstitusionele status verhoog met die daarstelling van artikel 25(3)(c) van die Grondwet, No. 200 van 1993. Hierdie reg om onskuldig geag te word en die gepaardgaande swygreg, wat hier kortliks aangeraak word, kan egter aan beperking onderhewig wees soos bepaal deur artikel 33 van die Grondwet. Die beginsels soos ontwikkel in Kanada en Amerika word ondersoek. Die slotsom waartoe geraak word is dat, alhoewel historiese en ander verskille deurgaans voor oe gehou sal moet word, die regspraak in genoemde jurisdiksies, en meer spesifiek Kanada, 'n groat rol sal speel by die inhoud wat die SuidA: frik:aanse howe, in die konteks van statutere vermoedens, aan die konstitusionele reg om onskuldig geag te word, sal gee. / The so-called presumption of innocence has been inherited from the English common law and awarded constitutional status by the introduction of section 25(3)(c) ofthe Constitution, Act 200 ofl993. This right to be presumed innocent and the accompanying right to remain silent, which is briefly touched upon, are however not absolute and can be subject to limitation as provided for by section 33 ofthe Constitution. The principles, as they have been developed in Canada and America, are investigated. The conclusion which is drawn is that, despite historical and other differences, it can be expected that foreign jurisprudence, particularly that of Canada, will play a major role in the content that will be given by the South African courts to the right to be presumed innocent in the context of statutory presumptions. / Criminal and Procedural Law / LL. M.

The Zuma case - important as the first decision of the Constitutional Court - is primarily concerned with the constitutionality of section 217(l)(b)(ii) of the Criminal Procedure Act. In trying to fmd an answer to this question, the Constitutional Court also addressed other important issues. In this dissertation the Constitutional Court's decision on the constitutionality of section 217(1)(b)(ii) is examined, as well as important general principles laid down by the Court regarding incompetent referrals by the Supreme Court; constitutional interpretation; reverse onus provisions and the right to a fair trial; as well as the application of the general limitation clause. A closer look is taken at adherence to these principles in subsequent Constitutional Court decisions, and finally a conclusion is reached on the value of the Zuma case. / Law / LL.M. (Law)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the right to confidentiality in the context of HIV/AIDS through an interdisciplinary lens. This study indicates that whilst confidentiality is important and should be preserved in order to protect persons living with HIV/AIDS against stigmatisation, discrimination and victimisation, this should be balanced by other equally important interests, such as the protection of public health and individual third parties who may be affected by the intentional or negligent infection of others with HIV. As the consideration of the legal issues relating to confidentiality and privacy cannot be divorced from the social context in which HIV/AIDS plays out in South African communities, the study will examine, amongst others, the victimisation, discrimination and stigmatisation experienced by persons living with HIV/AIDS, followed by a critical exploration of the present legal and ethical framework governing privacy and confidentiality, including medical confidentiality, as well as the duty to disclose a positive HIV-status, in the context of HIV/AIDS. Possible limitations on the right to privacy in this context are also examined, which include, amongst others, a consideration of making HIV/AIDS notifiable diseases in South Africa. The study suggests that it is imperative that legal interventions aimed at curbing the spread of HIV will need to be mindful of the unique social, cultural and economic forces that impact on the duty to disclose a positive HIV-status to partners and other affected third parties. Insights gained from philosophical theories relating to Africanism, individualism, communitarianism and utilitarianism are valuable tools in facilitating a clearer understanding of relevant social and cultural factors that keep South African society locked in the present stalemate with regard to the disclosure of HIV status. / Public, Constitutional, & International law / LLD

The purpose of this study is to investigate the right to confidentiality in the context of HIV/AIDS through an interdisciplinary lens. This study indicates that whilst confidentiality is important and should be preserved in order to protect persons living with HIV/AIDS against stigmatisation, discrimination and victimisation, this should be balanced by other equally important interests, such as the protection of public health and individual third parties who may be affected by the intentional or negligent infection of others with HIV. As the consideration of the legal issues relating to confidentiality and privacy cannot be divorced from the social context in which HIV/AIDS plays out in South African communities, the study will examine, amongst others, the victimisation, discrimination and stigmatisation experienced by persons living with HIV/AIDS, followed by a critical exploration of the present legal and ethical framework governing privacy and confidentiality, including medical confidentiality, as well as the duty to disclose a positive HIV-status, in the context of HIV/AIDS. Possible limitations on the right to privacy in this context are also examined, which include, amongst others, a consideration of making HIV/AIDS notifiable diseases in South Africa. The study suggests that it is imperative that legal interventions aimed at curbing the spread of HIV will need to be mindful of the unique social, cultural and economic forces that impact on the duty to disclose a positive HIV-status to partners and other affected third parties. Insights gained from philosophical theories relating to Africanism, individualism, communitarianism and utilitarianism are valuable tools in facilitating a clearer understanding of relevant social and cultural factors that keep South African society locked in the present stalemate with regard to the disclosure of HIV status. / Public, Constitutional, and International law / LLD

Présentes dans de nombreux domaines, les clauses limitatives de réparation et les clauses exonératoires de responsabilité constituent une pratique très courante. Si elles se rencontrent le plus souvent en matière contractuelle, ces conventions peuvent également aménager la responsabilité extracontractuelle d’un potentiel responsable qui connaîtrait déjà la victime éventuelle, tel un voisin ou un cotraitant dans la réalisation d’un ouvrage. Malgré leur utilité et leur fréquence pratique, ces clauses pâtissent aujourd’hui d’un régime incertain, qui suscite nombre d’interrogations, tant en matière contractuelle qu’extracontractuelle. Pour savoir si une clause limitative ou exonératoire de responsabilité peut jouer en faveur du responsable, il faut dans un premier temps vérifier sa validité. Or, tant les droits spéciaux (droit des transports, droit de la consommation…) que la jurisprudence (notamment l’arrêt Chronopost) ont porté de multiples atteintes aux règles classiques de validité de ces stipulations. Il est dès lors nécessaire d’instaurer des directives renouvelées afin de clarifier cette question primordiale. Dans un second temps, il n’est pas certain que la clause relative à la responsabilité, pourtant valable, puisse déployer tous ses effets. L’efficacité de ces stipulations revêt ainsi une grande importance. Cependant, là encore, les règles de paralysie en cas de faute qualifiée du responsable, ainsi que celles qui gouvernent l’opposabilité des clauses aux tiers victimes d’un dommage causé par un manquement contractuel, méritent d’être rénovées pour balayer les incertitudes qui jalonnent aujourd’hui la matière. À l’heure où le droit de la responsabilité civile est en passe d’être réformé, cette étude propose un nouveau régime applicable aux clauses relatives à la responsabilité pour que la notion recouvre sa fonction de véritable outil de prévisibilité pour les parties. / Limitation and exclusion clauses constitute a very common practice in many areas. Although they are more often used in the contractual field, these agreements can also change tort liability of a potential tortfeasor who would already know the potential victim, as a neighbour or a consortium member. Nowadays, despite their utility and practical frequency, these stipulations suffer from an uncertain regime, that gives rise to questions, as much in contractual field as in tort field. Firstly, to know whether an exclusion clause can be invoked by the responsible, we need to verify its validity. Yet, both laws in different fields (transport law, consumer law …) and case law (especially the famous Chronopost case) have affected the classic rules of validity of these stipulations. There is therefore a need to establish new guidelines to clarify this important question. Secondly, it is not certain that the exclusion clause, however valid, will apply. The effectiveness of these provisions is also of great importance. Nevertheless, the rules governing the paralysis in case of gross fault from the responsible and those who regulate the enforceability of clauses to third parties, victims of a damage caused by a breach of contract, should be renovated to sweep away the uncertainties that confuse the subject. At a time when French civil liability law is about to be reformed, this study proposes a new regime for exclusion and limitation clauses in order to restore their true function of foreseeability for parties.