Concretising the Open Norm of Public Policy

Book excerpt: Both classical contract law and the classical conception of the rule of law have as their point of departure that inequality between individuals is the result of natural differences and capabilities and that recognition of formal equality is the only possibility. In line with this premise the judiciary is expected to merely apply abstract legal norms, and it is not the function of a judge to refer to policy considerations or consider the relative justice of individuals' claims. The judiciary may not make law or become involved in policy issues. However, the South African Constitution is expressly value-based and demands that the judiciary take cognizance of substantive values.