Legal Personality and Birth Registration
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Questions and Answers

What must a father do in the presence of the person to whom the notice of birth is given if he registers an extramarital child under his name?

  • File a court application for paternity
  • Replace the mother's name with his surname
  • Wait for the mother to give consent
  • Acknowledge paternity and enter his particulars (correct)

What happens if a father wishes to acknowledge paternity after the child's birth has already been registered?

  • He can do so only with the mother's consent (correct)
  • He must wait for the child to turn 18
  • He cannot claim paternity retroactively
  • He needs to inform the social services first

Under what condition can the surname of an extramarital child be changed?

  • With the consent of the grandparents
  • If the mother agrees before the child turns 10
  • With the father's written consent (correct)
  • Only through a legal court order

Which of the following statements about double-barreled surnames for extramarital children is true?

<p>They are not permitted under any circumstances (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of parents marrying after the registration of an extramarital child?

<p>The registration can be altered as if they were married at birth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a requirement for the beginning of legal personality?

<p>Child must be viable independent of mother (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Criminal Procedure Act, how can it be determined if a child was alive?

<p>Child must have breathed (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is primarily responsible for giving notice of a child's birth?

<p>The parents of the child (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must a legitimate child have according to the Births and Deaths Registration Act?

<p>A first name and a surname (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What surname is an extramarital child registered under if parents do not jointly request the father's surname?

<p>Mother's surname only (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long do parents have to notify the Director General of a child's birth?

<p>30 days (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is true regarding children born due to artificial fertilization in same-sex partnerships?

<p>They can have both parents' surnames joined (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence do courts rely on to prove a child's breathing at birth?

<p>Medical evidence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Legal Personality of a Baby

A baby gains legal rights and responsibilities upon birth.

Birth Conditions (Legal)

A baby must be entirely separated from the mother and live after the separation for legal personality to apply.

Viability (Legal)

Viability (ability to live independently) is not a requirement for legal personality under South African law.

Proof of Life (Criminal)

In criminal cases, if a baby has breathed before separation this proves they were alive.

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Legal Requirements for Birth Registration

The Director General of Home Affairs must be notified within 30 days of a live birth, by parents, guardians or whoever has care of the child

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Naming of Legitimate Children

Legitimate children get a first name and a surname that is under either parent's name or a double-barrelled surname.

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Naming of Extramarital Children

Extra-marital children are registered under the mother's surname, unless parents jointly choose the father’s surname.

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Artificial Fertilization & Same-Sex Partnerships

Children born from artificial fertilization of a same-sex couple are considered legitimate.

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Extramarital child registration

A child born outside of marriage can be registered under the father's name if the father acknowledges paternity.

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Father's acknowledgment process

The father must acknowledge paternity in front of the registrar who receives the birth notice, and enter his details on the notice to register the extramarital child.

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Post-birth acknowledgement

A father can acknowledge paternity and add his details on the birth record after the birth has been registered, with the mother's consent.

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Court order for paternity

If the mother opposes the father's claim, a father can seek a court order to establish paternity and override the mother's refusal to consent.

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Surname changes for extramarital children

Changing the surname of an extramarital child requires the father's written consent; double-barrelled surnames are not allowed.

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Study Notes

  • Legal personality begins at birth, but a fetus is not a legal subject
  • Two requirements for legal personality:
    • Full birth completion (separation from the mother)
    • Survival after the separation (viability is not a requirement, as it's too vague)

Determining if a Child Was Alive

  • Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977: If a child has breathed, it was alive (no independent circulation is required)
  • Courts rely on medical evidence (e.g., breathing)

Registration of Births

  • The Director-General of Home Affairs must be notified of a live birth within 30 days
  • Parents have the duty to give notice. If parents cannot, another person with charge of the child should do so
  • Anyone can request to change a child's surname
  • Changes to the child's surname on the birth register can be made

Legitimate vs. Extramarital Children

  • Legitimate children's surnames:
    • First name and surname of either parent, or combined surnames
  • Extramarital children's surnames:
    • Mother's surname unless parents request a different surname (extramarital children)
    • If father wants his surname registered, he must acknowledge paternity and submit particulars to the relevant authority
    • If mother doesn't consent to father's surname on the birth certificate, he can petition a high court

Artificial Fertilisation and Same-Sex Partnerships

  • Children born as a consequence of artificial fertilisation to a same-sex life partner are also considered legitimate
  • This matters for official documents

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of legal personality as it begins at birth, the criteria for determining if a child was alive, and the registration of births according to the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977. It also covers the differences between legitimate and extramarital children's surnames. Test your understanding of these important legal principles.

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