Falls the shadow: Between the promise and the reality of the South African constitution - Softcover

South Africa supposedly has one of the best Constitutions in the world, one which is intended to control and constrain the exercise of power by the state so that it does not threaten the liberty and security of citizens. But, in reality, does the Constitution contribute more to the security of some groups than others? Does it help to ensure certain types of security but not others? And does it have greater impact on some institutions than others? This book describes how the Constitution has a significant impact on the physical, economic, judicial and psychological security of South African citizens and communities but that this impact is differential.

Kristina Bentley is Senior Research Officer in the Democratic Governance and Rights Unit at the University of Cape Town.