Pistorius, Pretoria and Prosecutors
The trial of Oscar Pistorius for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp (The State vs Oscar Pistorius) in the High Court of South Africa in Pretoria opened on 3 March 2014. Pistorius was an athlete with a disability who completed in multiple Paralympic Games and the 2012 Summer Olympics. Steenkamp, a model, was shot and killed by Pistorius at his Pretoria home.
The trial commenced from 2014 to 2016, Judge Thokozile Masipa appointed two assessors, Janette Henzen du Toit and Themba Mazibuko, to help her evaluate the case and reach a verdict. During the trial, a witness (a neighbour of Pistorius) confessed that she had heard a loud argument in the early hours of the morning minutes before shots were fired.
Hereafter, state Prosecutor Gerrie Nel claimed that Pistorius had put on his prosthetic legs, walked across hiss bedroom to the bathroom, and intentionally shot Steenkamp through the door. Nel argued that the time required for this process was sufficient to establish the that the murder was premeditated.
In 2016, Pistorius was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
Pistorius continues with his life in prison – and in 2017 footage was released of how he and a notorious and dangerous gang member were playing football in the communal court yard.
4.1. In what type of ‘specialised inmate category’, set out for offenders in correctional facilities, does Oscar Pistorius fit? [1]
4.2. Identify and elaborate on the different role players in the abovementioned trial process of State vs Pistorius [6]
4.3. By referencing two sources, provide a definition for the concept ‘gang’
4.1. Oscar Pistorius would likely fall under the category of "disabled offender" or "inmate with a disability" in correctional facilities.
4.2. The different role players in the trial process of State vs Pistorius include:
- Judge Thokozile Masipa: She presided over the trial and made the final judgement.
- Prosecution team: Led by state prosecutor Gerrie Nel, they presented the case against Pistorius and argued for his guilt.
- Defense team: Led by defense lawyer Barry Roux, they argued for Pistorius's innocence and presented evidence in his favor.
- Assessors: Judge Masipa appointed two assessors, Janette Henzen du Toit and Themba Mazibuko, to help her evaluate the evidence and reach a verdict.
- Witnesses: Various witnesses were called to testify, including neighbors, friends, and experts who provided information relevant to the case.
- Reeva Steenkamp's family: They were present throughout the trial and sought justice for their daughter's death.
- Media: The trial received significant media attention, with journalists reporting on the proceedings and influencing public opinion.
4.3. The concept of a "gang" can be defined as a group or organization, typically composed of individuals with a shared identity or purpose, that engages in criminal or illicit activities. One source, Merriam-Webster, defines a gang as "a group of persons working together to unlawful or antisocial ends" (Merriam-Webster). Another source, Collins Dictionary, defines a gang as "a group of criminals or hoodlums who band together for mutual protection and profit" (Collins Dictionary).
4.1. In what type of 'specialized inmate category', set out for offenders in correctional facilities, does Oscar Pistorius fit?
Oscar Pistorius would likely be classified as a "vulnerable inmate" due to his disability, as well as being a high-profile offender. This category is often established to protect inmates who have special needs or face a higher risk of harm or exploitation within the prison environment.
4.2. Identify and elaborate on the different role players in the above-mentioned trial process of State vs Pistorius.
The role players in the State vs Pistorius trial process include the following:
1. The Accused: Oscar Pistorius, who was charged with the murder of Reeva Steenkamp.
2. The Defense: The team of lawyers representing Oscar Pistorius, led by Barry Roux. Their role was to present evidence and arguments in defense of Pistorius, aiming to prove his innocence or establish a lesser charge.
3. The State Prosecution: Led by Prosecutor Gerrie Nel, the state prosecution's role was to present evidence and arguments to prove Pistorius's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. They sought to establish the charge of premeditated murder against Pistorius.
4. The Judge: Judge Thokozile Masipa presided over the trial and was responsible for evaluating the evidence, interpreting the law, and delivering the final verdict.
5. Assessors: Two assessors, Janette Henzen du Toit and Themba Mazibuko, were appointed by Judge Masipa to assist in evaluating the case and reaching a verdict. Their role was to provide expert opinions based on their specific areas of knowledge or expertise.
6. Witnesses: Individuals who provided testimony or evidence relevant to the case. This included neighbors, forensic experts, friends and family of Pistorius and Steenkamp, as well as other individuals with knowledge of the events surrounding the crime.
7. Court Officials: This includes court reporters, stenographers, security personnel, and other support staff who ensured the smooth running of the trial proceedings.
4.3. By referencing two sources, provide a definition for the concept 'gang.'
Source 1: According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a gang is defined as "a group of criminals (such as a band of outlaws or a street gang) banded together for mutual protection and profit."
Source 2: According to the National Institute of Justice, a gang is defined as "a group of individuals who share a common identity, engage in a range of criminal activities, and create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation in their community."
Please note that the definition may vary depending on the context and source.
4.1. To determine the type of "specialized inmate category" that Oscar Pistorius fits into, we can look at the specific circumstances of his case. According to the provided information, Pistorius is an inmate in a correctional facility. However, without further details, it is difficult to determine the exact classification he falls under. To answer this question accurately, it would be best to consult official records or information directly from the relevant correctional facility or legal authorities.
To find this information, you can start by searching for official statements or reports from the South African correctional authorities or the specific facility where Pistorius is held. These sources may provide information on specialized inmate categories, such as those for offenders with disabilities or high-profile cases.
4.2. In the trial process of State vs Pistorius, there are several role players involved. Here are some key role players and their roles:
1. Judge Thokozile Masipa: She presided over the trial and was responsible for overseeing the proceedings, ensuring a fair trial, and ultimately delivering the verdict.
2. State Prosecutor Gerrie Nel: He acted on behalf of the state, presenting the prosecution's case against Pistorius. His role was to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue that Pistorius was guilty of the charges.
3. Defense Counsel: Pistorius had a legal team defending him. Their role was to challenge the prosecution's case, present evidence and witnesses in favor of Pistorius, and argue for his innocence or a lesser charge.
4. Assessors Janette Henzen du Toit and Themba Mazibuko: These assessors were appointed by Judge Masipa to assist her in evaluating the case and reaching a verdict. They were responsible for providing their opinion and expertise on certain aspects of the trial.
5. Witnesses: Various witnesses, including neighbors, friends, and experts, were called to testify during the trial. Their role was to provide information, facts, and evidence relevant to the case.
6. Court officials: There were also court officials, such as the court clerk, court reporter/transcriber, and bailiffs, who ensured the smooth running of the trial and maintained a record of the proceedings.
Note that these are just some of the key role players in the trial process. Depending on the specific details of the case, there may have been additional individuals involved, such as expert witnesses or investigators.
4.3. To provide a definition of the concept "gang," it is important to consult reliable sources. Here are two possible sources you can refer to for a definition:
1. Legal Dictionary: A legal dictionary or law encyclopedia, such as Black's Law Dictionary, can provide a formal definition of the term "gang" from a legal perspective. These sources often include definitions and explanations of terms related to crime, criminal organizations, and law enforcement.
2. Academic Publications: Scholarly articles or books on criminology, sociology, or criminal justice may also provide in-depth definitions and analysis of the concept of gangs. These sources may draw from research, case studies, and expert opinions to provide a comprehensive understanding of gangs and their characteristics.
When consulting these sources, make sure to select reputable and authoritative sources to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the definitions provided.