The aim of this work remains to set out the basic principles of South African private law systematically, in clear unmistakable language, and as comprehensively as is possible in a single volume. Over the years, Wille's principles has appealed to judges, practitioners and students alike, and this edition is also written with the needs of these groups in mind. This edition, of which Dale Hutchison was general editor, was a notable success in this regard, and we have sought to follow its example of balancing the retention of the basic structure of the work with innovation in the treatment of its subject matter and the dissemination of original research. We have nevertheless as far as possible maintained the very useful practice in previous editions of citing the older, original authority for a proposition alongside contemporary sources. Many of the changes were necessitated or inspired by the Constitution, which has radically altered the foundations of our legal system. The impact of the Bill of Rights on private law has been significant and is growing, via both the horizontal application of fundamental rights and their legislative implementation and elaboration. This is reflected in the structure and content of the new introductory general part as well as in the text of virtually every chapter. Importantly, the constitution has given new prominence to indigenous customary law, and in this edition we have sought, where possible in and relevant for a work of this nature, to reflect its status as equal partner of the common law. This has led to major changes in almost all of the chapters on Persons and the Family. The frequency of far-reaching judicial changes to the law combined with the uncertainties of legislative timetables to necessitate several significant revisions during the final stages of preparation for publication.

The fourth edition of Principles of Evidence strikes a balance between the theory of the law of evidence and its practical application. This edition continues to assess the impact of the Constitution on the traditional Anglo-South African law of evidence, especially with regards to the admissibility of unconstitutionally obtained evidence. It further discusses the statutory provisions regulating diverse matters such as sexual history evidence and the admissibility of electronic evidence.

The fifth edition of this established work on criminal law now includes detailed discussion of major judicial pronouncements on dolus eventualis (Pistorius), the limits of common purpose liability in its active association form (Dewnath), robbery with aggravating circumstances (Masingili), treason (the Boeremag Treason trial), racketeering/retrospectivity (Savoi) and consensual child sexual experimentation (Teddy Bear Clinic). With the important entry into force on 9 August 2015 of the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act 7 of 2013, definitions of human trafficking and related offences have now become an integral part of our criminal law. Moreover, the transitional provisions on human trafficking in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007 have been replaced with more detailed provisions under this Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act 7 of 2013. A significant amendment to abortion law has been effected by the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Act 1 of 2008 (assented to 12 February and promulgated18 February 2008), following the Constitutional Court's judgment in Doctors for Life International v Speaker of the National Assembly 2006 (6) SA 416 (CC). Judgments of the Supreme Court of Appeal, the Constitutional Court and legislative amendments relevant to criminal law up until the end of 2015 have been included in this fifth edition of Principles of Criminal Law.

South African shipping law is a rich amalgam of English common law and Roman-Dutch civilian principles. Its provenance was profoundly influenced first by Dutch dominance over the seas and world trade during the 17th and 18th centuries, and then by the might of the English commercial empire of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Today's South African shipping lawyer continues to draw on both systems, supplemented by innovative developments, especially in admiralty practice.

The second edition of Shipping Law & Admiralty Jurisdiction in South Africa follows ten years after its first publication. The book aims to cover all aspects of admiralty jurisdiction and practice, and general shipping law, in one volume.