Crimen injuria is a crime under South African common law, defined as unlawfully, intentionally, and seriously impairing the dignity of another. Although difficult to define precisely, it has been used in the prosecution of certain instances of road rage, stalking, racially offensive language, emotional or psychological abuse, and sexual offenses against children.
Facts
Typical PenaltyCrimen injuria carries no fixed statutory maximum since it is a common law offense with sentencing left to judicial discretion; convictions historically resulted mainly in fines or suspended sentences until a 2018 conviction produced a direct term of imprisonment for the first time in South African legal history. 2 Elements of OffenseUnlawfully, intentionally, and seriously impairing the dignity of another. 1 Notable ExampleIn 2018, Vicki Momberg was convicted on four counts of crimen injuria for repeatedly using a racist slur against police officers and paramedics after being the victim of a smash and grab robbery in Johannesburg, and was sentenced to three years imprisonment of which one year was suspended, becoming the first person in South Africa sentenced to direct imprisonment for the offense. 2 Classification
Offense GradeMinor or Summary Offense 1 Connections
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Source Crimen Injuria (Wikipedia)Leadtier 2Quote, Lead
Crimen injuria is a crime under South African common law, defined as the act of "unlawfully, intentionally, and seriously impairing the dignity of another." Although difficult to precisely define, the crime is used in the prosecution of certain instances of road rage, stalking, racially offensive language, emotional or psychological abuse, and sexual offences against children.
Sources
1. Crimen Injuria (Wikipedia)
WikipediaWikipedia, lead section, second sentence
Although difficult to precisely define, the crime is used in the prosecution of certain instances of road rage, stalking, racially offensive language, emotional or psychological abuse, and sexual offences against children.
Lead paragraph, first sentence
intentionally, and seriously impairing the dignity of another.
In Group: Stalking, Harassment and Intimidation, Lead sentence
Crimen injuria is a crime under South African common law, defined as the act of "unlawfully, intentionally, and seriously impairing the dignity of another." Although difficult to precisely define, the crime is used in the prosecution of certain instances of road rage, stalking, racially offensive language, emotional or psychological abuse, and sexual offences against children.
View the Source 2. Jail time for South African woman using racist slur sets new precedent (The Conversation)
paragraph on sentencing history and precedent
a first of its kind in South Africa
paragraph describing the Momberg sentence
sentenced to three years imprisonment of which one year was suspended for a period of three years
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