Our members often ask us about their policy terms and conditions, as well as our processes and procedures. This regular feature is where we will answer some of your questions.
What is the difference between civil law, criminal law, labour law and administrative law?
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine what kind of law applies to your specific legal situation. To make things easier for you, we’ve broken down the different kinds of law in South Africa, and what situations they apply to, below:
CIVIL LAW:
Civil law matters usually involve private disputes between two or more individuals or between an individual and an organisation. For example: Personal injuries (car accidents, slip and trip), damage to your car or personal items, breach of contract...
CRIMINAL LAW:
Differs from civil law in that criminal law is between an individual and the state. It is a body of rules and statutes that define conduct prohibited by the government because it threatens and harms public safety and welfare. The state also establishes punishment to be imposed for the commission (carrying out) of such acts. For example: Criminal acts like murder, robbery, domestic violence...
LABOUR LAW:
The law relating to the rights and responsibilities of workers. For example: Unfair dismissal, retrenchment, injury on duty...
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW:
The body of law that governs the activities of administrative agencies of government. For example: When your child faces disciplinary action at school, your fitness to own a firearm when applying through the Firearms Department, assistance with pension/provident fund payouts...
What are network lawyers?
These are selected attorneys throughout South Africa who assist our policyholders with covered matters.
What is the difference between paralegal assistance and cover?
Paralegal assistance is when our Scorpion branch or contact centre legal counsellors give you their legal opinion on what to do and also help you resolve your matter. This includes things like writing letters, making telephone calls, etc. on your behalf.
Cover means that should you or your family need legal representation in court proceedings, Scorpion will provide you with a network lawyer (subject to your chosen policy). For cover in court proceedings, there is a one-month waiting period and maximum limits apply.