This new edition of the leading introduction to the subject presents the South African Constitution in its historical and social context.The book provides students and teachers of constitutional law and politics an invaluable resource through which to understand the emergence, development and continuing application of the supreme law of South Africa. The chapters present a detailed analysis of the different provisions of the Constitution, providing a clear, accessible and informed view of the Constitution's structure and role in the new South Africa. Main themes include a description of the historical context and emergence of the Constitution through the democratic transition; the implementation of the Constitution and its role in building a new democratic society; the interaction of the Constitution with the existing law and legal institutions, including the common law, indigenous law and traditional authorities; as well as a focus on the strains placed on the new constitutional order by both the historical legacies of apartheid and new problems facing South Africa.