Staatsveiligheid in teoreties-prinsi-piële perspektief*

Abstract

This article endeavours to delineate the need for a theoretically sound definition of state security (and law and order) and proposes such a definition taking cognisance of jurisprudential and politico theoretical givens. Relevant statutes, precedents and legal writings are considered in an attempt to trace current definitions of the concept, and it is concluded that an ample definition is still lacking within the South African context. The author proceeds to explain his own jurisprudential and politico theoretical premisses, whereafter a definition of state security is proposed and explained. In final conclusion this definition and its implications are applied to aspects of the situation in South Africa.