The old common-law principles relating to the acquisition, use and disposal of mineral rights are therefore no longer applicable.

The common-law principle of "riparian ownership" dominated the South African water dispensation until 1998.

Under this precedent, Parliament has the legal authority to do anything, even though its Acts might contradict common-law principles of natural justice.

The common-law principles will have influence in jurisdictions with similar laws.

In supporting its view, the Justice Department had invoked an old common-law principle called the "relation back" doctrine.

"He said: "There's a common-law principle called a continuing expectation.

The courts have also recognized the common-law principle that you cannot disclose trade secrets to another employer.

There is no doubt, the court held, that the common-law principles of ultra vires remain under the new constitutional order.

But to what extent will these common-law principles protect the media when it publishes allegations of misconduct to the world?

The old common-law principles are therefore no longer applicable.