Notes: In defence of the Pretoria Crits

Abstract

This note acts as a reply to the critique levelled at the Pretoria Crits by Willem Gravett in two articles published in 2018. The note begins by summarising Gravett’s objections to the Pretoria Crits’ views about the South African legal system and the teaching of law in South African universities. Thereafter, errors of argument are identified that undermine, or are even destructive of, Gravett’s critique. In the course of his five-part rebuttal, the author remedies certain misconceptions about the Pretoria Crits’ views and beliefs. He also identifies how the Pretoria Crits have made important critical contributions to a broader understanding of the nature of South Africa’s legal system and the challenges of teaching law in a transforming society.