Legal Lifeline EP 13 | Why South Africa Abolished the Jury System

In this fascinating episode of the Legal Lifeline, Adv. Gushwell Brooks is joined by Adv. Zwelakhe (Zweli) Makgalemele to explore one of the most misunderstood aspects of the legal world: the jury system. If you have ever watched an American legal drama and wondered why South African courtrooms operate so differently, this episode breaks it all down. Adv. Makgalemele traces the origins of the jury back to 1199, explains the global significance of the Magna Carta, and unpacks the specific reasons why South Africa officially abolished the jury system in 1969. The conversation also dives into the complexities of being judged by a jury of your peers versus a trained legal professional. By analyzing high-profile international matters like the OJ Simpson trial, the Rodney King LA Riots, and the Darrell Brooks case, this episode provides a masterclass on how justice is truly administered.