Quote of the week
My colleagues and I often care for patients suffering from hallucinations, prophesying, and claiming to speak with God, among other symptoms—in mental health care, it’s sometimes very difficult to tell apart religious belief from mental illness…. Our conclusions frequently stem from the behaviors we see before us. Take an example of a man who walks into an emergency department, mumbling incoherently. He says he’s hearing voices in his head, but insists there’s nothing wrong with him. He hasn’t used any drugs or alcohol. If he were to be evaluated by mental health professionals, there’s a good chance he might be diagnosed with a psychotic disorder like schizophrenia. But what if that same man were deeply religious? What if his incomprehensible language was speaking in tongues?
Scientific American
CASAC joins challenge to extension of term of office of Chief Justice
MEDIA STATEMENT
10 June 2011
CASAC Challenges extension of term of office of Chief Justice
The Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC) will challenge the unilateral decision by President Jacob Zuma to extend the term of the office of Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo.
CASAC will be joining the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) in the court action. Legal papers are being prepared and will be filed as soon as possible.
CASAC has taken this decision as the actions of the President infringe upon the fundamental principles of the Constitution including the independence of the judiciary and the separation of powers. CASAC will challenge the validity and constitutionality of section 8 of the Judges Remuneration and Conditions of Employment Act.
