Exploring the law in South Africa

In May 2024, ten Ohio University undergraduate and graduate students took a more unorthodox approach to their post-finals time, traveling to South Africa to participate in the first ever Law, Justice and Transitions to Democracy program.

Throughout the span of two weeks, students engaged in numerous experiential opportunities studying the legacy of apartheid, the leadership of Nelson Mandela and other freedom fighters, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Students capped off their experience with a cumulative moot court competition at the global law firm of Norton Rose Fulbright, presenting oral arguments in front of seasoned jurists on a human rights issues arising under the South African Constitution.

The group began their travels in Cape Town, conducting research on some of the regional conflicts and tensions present in the nation’s legislative capital. This included visits to the Iziko Slave Lodge, District Six Museum, and Robben Island – Nelson Mandela’s former place of imprisonment. In addition to their historical surveying, students had a rich opportunity to engage in sightseeing and engaging with locals, touring Table Mountain and having authentic African cuisine at the Gold restaurant.

Students then began the second leg of their program in Johannesburg, beginning grounding and preparation for their legal arguments and exercise. The group traveled to Constitution Hill and attended a session with the nonprofit legal aid clinic ProBono. Headed by former South African Human Rights Commissioner and OHIO visiting professor Shafie Ameermia, ProBono lectured on the influx of recent public interest cases their firm was overseeing and invited former TRC commissioner Ilan Lax to discuss the legacy and impact of the peace process. Students also toured the Constitutional Court and Old Fort Prison, seeing a direct visual and spatial representation of remembrance and reconciliation. Other meaningful experiences included visits to the township of Soweto and Mandela’s home, a walking tour of the Hillbrow District, and a visit to the Apartheid Museum.  The students also spent a day on safari in Pilanesberg National Park. 

The capstone of the program was their moot court, generously hosted by the global law firm of Norton Rose Fulbright. Students were required to prepare a 15 page legal brief on a human rights issue arising under the South African Constitution and deliver 15 minutes of oral argument to a panel of attorneys. Topics included the constitutional viability of hate speech, access to land and water rights for native tribes, educational access and quality, and gender discrimination in employment.

Students also had a rich opportunity to engage with South African OHIO alumni, joining sit-down dinners and conversing with over two dozen former Bobcats!

The program was developed and directed by Larry Hayman, Esq. Director of Legal Engagement and Pre-Law Program at Center for Law, Justice & Culture, and Dr. Haley Duschinski, Director of the Center for International Studies.

Several students were supported on the program through the CLJC Jennifer Young Stevens Collegiate Impact Award, Office of Global Opportunities funding, and through the Office of Experiential Learning.

Applications are open for May 2025, with a priority deadline of Nov. 1, 2024. Students can find more information and apply here.