Arthur Chaskalson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Arthur Chaskalson
Chief Justice of South Africa
In office November 2001 – June 2005
President	Thabo Mbeki
Deputy	Pius Langa
Preceded by	Ismail Mahomed
Succeeded by	Pius Langa
President of the Constitutional Court of South Africa
In office June 1994 – November 2001
President	Nelson Mandela
Deputy	Pius Langa
Preceded by	Office established
Personal details
Born	(1931-11-24)24 November 1931 Johannesburg, South Africa
Died	1 December 2012(2012-12-01) (aged 81) Johannesburg, South Africa
Resting place	Westpark Cemetery, Johannesburg
Spouse	Lorraine Chaskalson
Children	Matthew and Jerome
Alma mater	University of the Witwatersrand

Arthur Chaskalson (24 November 1931 – 1 December 2012) was a very important South African judge. He played a key role in shaping the country's laws after the end of Apartheid. He was the first President of the Constitutional Court of South Africa from 1994 to 2001. Later, he became the Chief Justice of South Africa from 2001 to 2005.

Early Life and Legal Work

Arthur Chaskalson was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. He went to Hilton College and then studied at the University of the Witwatersrand. He earned degrees in business and law.

In 1963, Chaskalson was part of the legal team that defended Nelson Mandela and others in the famous Rivonia Trial. This trial was a major event during the fight against apartheid. Even though Mandela was sentenced to life in prison, Chaskalson's work showed his dedication to justice.

Chaskalson later left his successful private law practice. He wanted to focus on human rights. He helped start the Legal Resources Centre. This group used the law to fight for justice and human rights across South Africa. He led this centre for many years. His work helped challenge unfair apartheid laws, especially those that controlled where people could live.

Leading the Constitutional Court

In 1994, South Africa became a democracy. A new court was created called the Constitutional Court of South Africa. This court's job was to protect the new Constitution of South Africa and human rights. Arthur Chaskalson was chosen as its first president.

He was a key advisor when the country's first democratic constitution was being written. He helped guide South Africa's legal system into a new era of fairness.

One of the court's first big decisions under Chaskalson's leadership was in 1995. They ruled that the death penalty was unconstitutional and abolished it. This was a huge step for human rights in South Africa.

Chaskalson also became well-known around the world. He joined the International Commission of Jurists in 1995. This group works to promote human rights and the rule of law globally. He also became one of South Africa's members on the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration. In 1989, he even helped write the Constitution of Namibia.

Retirement and Legacy

Arthur Chaskalson retired as Chief Justice on 31 May 2005. His former deputy, Pius Langa, took over his role.

South African President Thabo Mbeki praised Chaskalson when he retired. Mbeki called him a "great son of our people." He also said Chaskalson was a "giant among the architects of our democracy." This showed how important Chaskalson's work was in building a fair South Africa.

Arthur Chaskalson passed away in Johannesburg on 1 December 2012. He was buried in Westpark Cemetery.

Personal Life

Arthur Chaskalson was married to Lorraine. They had two sons, Matthew and Jerome, and five grandchildren. He was Jewish and was involved with Progressive synagogues in Johannesburg.

Honours and Awards

In 2002, Arthur Chaskalson received the Order of the Baobab (Gold). This is a very high honour in South Africa. He received it for his amazing work in law, constitutional justice, and human rights.

See also

• Constitutional Court of South Africa
• Constitution of South Africa
• List of Constitutional Court opinions of Arthur Chaskalson