Justice Lourens ‘Laurie’ Ackermann, a founding member of South Africa’s Constitutional Court, died on Saturday, 25 May 2024. He was 90.
Justice Lourens ‘Laurie’ Ackermann dies: What’s the cause of death?
The cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed.
Justice Ackermann’s passing marks the end of a significant era in South African legal history, as he was one of the key figures in establishing constitutionalism in the country.
Justice Lourens ‘Laurie’ Ackermann biography
Justice Lourens Ackermann was born on 13 January 1934 in Pretoria, South Africa.
Raised in a professional family, both his parents were Afrikaans, and he was named after the Boer hero, Louw Wepener.
His early life was influenced by his family’s history, with one of his grandparents having survived a concentration camp as a child.
Ackermann pursued his education at Stellenbosch University and later at Oxford University. He began practising law at the Pretoria Bar in 1958 and took silk in 1975.
His judicial career commenced in 1980 when he was appointed to the High Court.
However, he resigned in 1987 to accept a chair in human rights law at Stellenbosch University, a position created by the Oppenheimer Foundation.
He returned to the High Court Bench in January 1993, and in August 1994, he was appointed to the newly formed Constitutional Court of South Africa.
During his decade on the Constitutional Court, Ackermann authored 23 judgments, 19 of which were majority opinions, including 12 unanimous decisions.
His judgments were foundational in establishing constitutional law in the post-apartheid era.
Ackermann’s judicial philosophy centred around the concept of human dignity as a constitutional value.
He was known for his thoughtful and meticulous approach to legal problems, always striving to ensure that his decisions were just and well-founded.
His commitment to the rule of law and constitutionalism has left an enduring legacy in South African jurisprudence.
Reactions to Justice Ackermann’s death
The legal community and public figures have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Justice Ackermann’s contributions to South Africa’s legal system.
Freedom Under Law, an organisation dedicated to promoting the rule of law, honoured Ackermann’s pivotal role in building constitutionalism in South Africa.
They highlighted his unwavering dedication to the principles of justice and human dignity.
Justice Kate O’Regan, a former colleague on the Constitutional Court, described Ackermann’s judicial conscience as one that continuously sought the right course, often reconsidering and refining his views until he was confident in his decisions.
She recalled his relentless pursuit of justice and his implacable commitment once he had chosen a path.
Details about Justice Ackermann’s funeral and memorial service have yet to be canvassed by his family.