LJU4801
OCTOBER NOVEMBER
5 tips PORTFOLIO
for a simpler way to work
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 2 2024 - DUE
30 October 2024
,LJU4801 OCTOBER NOVEMBER PORTFOLIO (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 2 2024 - DUE 30 October 2024
Question 1 Read the following scenario and then answer the question below: The football
governing body is investigating Mark Pachio’s deliberate handball during the quarter final
match between Shibobo FC and Maluti FC. Shibobo FC defender, Pachio, used his hand to stop
Mpho Motale’s header on the line which would have sent Maluti FC through to the semi-final.
While Pachio was given a straight red card for his actions, his 'Hand of God' intervention
ultimately paid-off as Maluti FC missed the resulting penalty and Shibobo FC went through to
the semi-final after winning the shoot-out. Shibobo FC does not consider that handball as unfair
or dishonest play but rather as an act for the higher purpose of winning the game. Maluti FC,
however, sees the handball as unfair play which is inconsistent with the fair play code.
QUESTION 1
In this particular instance, numerous significant legal philosophical perspectives can be
employed. Examine the ethical and legal ramifications of Mark Pachio's deliberate
handball while Shibobo FC's quarterfinal encounter against Maluti FC. By examining
these we can use concepts like natural law, legal positivism, utilitarianism, and virtue
ethics. Understand the varied viewpoints on whether Pachio's acts are fair play. or a
violation of sports integrity. Each of these ways provides unique insight into Fairness,
intentionality, and the purpose of regulations in sports are all important topics. This
analysis. concludes by arguing that the most acceptable technique to judge fairness and
the ethical ramifications of Pachio's behavior.
, 1. Natural Law Approach
The natural law perspective emphasizes that laws and rules should align with moral
principles derived from nature or universal reason, thus prioritizing fairness and
integrity. According to natural law theorists like Thomas Aquinas, law is inherently
tied to moral values, and actions that undermine fairness contradict this natural
moral order. In sports, the concept of fair play is foundational; it reflects an
expectation of honesty, respect, and adherence to the spirit of the game. Pachio's
handball, from this perspective, can be seen as morally wrong because it violated
the natural sense of fairness expected in competitive sports.1
Natural law would view Pachio’s handball as an act that compromises the game’s
moral and ethical framework. While Shibobo FC might argue the act was strategic,
natural law would contend that it is morally unacceptable to deliberately break the
rules to gain an advantage, as this disrespects the natural principles of equality and
fairness essential in sports. 2Here, the natural law approach implies that adherence
to the rules is not merely a technical requirement but a moral obligation to maintain
the integrity of the game.
2. Legal Positivism Approach
Legal positivism, which emphasizes the importance of established rules regardless
of moral considerations, would assess Pachio’s handball based solely on the written
rules of football. Legal positivists like H.L.A. Hart argue that law and morality are
separate and that rules should be followed as they are explicitly stated by
authoritative bodies. In this case, Pachio’s action resulted in a penalty and a red
card, as stipulated by football regulations. Legal positivism would accept this
outcome as a satisfactory application of the rules, without examining the morality
behind Pachio’s intent.
From this perspective, Pachio’s act was a calculated risk within the parameters of
the game. The football governing body has set penalties for actions like handball,
1
Jeremy Bentham, An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, PG 45 -62
2
Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, (Benziger Bros., 1947).
