Vital for People to See Justice Being Done – Advocate Gerrie Nel

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‘Everyday, you can make justice happen.’ This was National Prosecuting Authority’s Advocate Gerrie Nel’s inspirational message to UKZN’s Law students during his recent visit to the University’s Law School.

Nel delivered two lectures to students who filled the Howard College Theatre to capacity, eager to hear words of wisdom from their “icon” whose legal prowess so impressed them all during the much publicised and high profile trial of Oscar Pistorius.

The first lecture targeted third-year students, focusing on criminal procedure and evidence.  He then addressed fourth year students on how to prepare for a trial and litigation.

The aim of the lectures was to give students a realistic view of the practical approach to law as well as a glimpse into the life of a prosecutor, with Nel sharing personal and professional experiences which have shaped his successful 32-year legal career.

He highlighted the importance for a prosecutor to understand a case, know and understand the defence system and aspects of cross examination, listen to judgements, and to consult with and prepare witnesses well.

‘My duty as a prosecutor is to assist the court to get to the truth not a conviction. As a student, the first thing I learned was how to prepare for a case. Every time you consult with a witness you learn something new that is why you have to prepare them for what is to come. I love Law even when I am losing - every advocate is as good as their last case,’ said Nel.

Students were given an opportunity to engage with Nel during the question and answer session. Questions asked centred around the upcoming appeal in the Oscar Pistorius trial and the public attention the trial attracted.

Nel said he believed all public interest cases should be broadcasted in the media as people had a right to see justice being done.

‘I have been amazed by the educational value that the broadcasting of the trial has had on people as they often come up to me and say now they know how the court works and what Dolus Eventualis is! Everyone has a right to access the law and I fully support cases being broadcast in the media,’ he said.

Law academic, Ms Sandy Singh who facilitated Nel’s visit for the benefit of her students had this to say:

‘We were indeed fortunate to have Advocate Nel with us. It was an invaluable opportunity for students to interact with someone they had watched prosecute a criminal trial. He shared important tips for the purposes of practice. It rounded off the Criminal Procedure course in which the trial had been referred to for the purposes of a practical understanding of the law.

The lectures were preceded by a meet and greet session where the Law School’s staff members got an opportunity to engage with Nel.

Nel said he was impressed with the practical approach the School had adopted to legal education. 

Thandiwe Jumo