Publishing World SA recently launched Advocate John R Bauer’s new book, “Murderer” Oscar (alternatively “Moordenaar” Oscar) at the opening of the new premises of Books Music Art in Silverfields.

John, an attorney and member of the North Gauteng Association of Advocates, decided to write a book to express his legal opinion about the trial of Oscar Pistorius after examining the case that shook the world.

Oscar Pistorius has been on everyone’s lips for the past few years, not for his sporting fame, but for murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. John leaves his readers with the question, “Is Oscar a murderer, or not?”

The author takes a scriptural approach to the matter, quoting Exodus 20:13, which states: “You shall not murder”, as well as other verses, which form the basis of this very informative book.

The preface to the book states: “Integrity, integrity, integrity. These are three character traits of an advocate”, and contrasts them with some of the characteristics of Pistorius – an international star, an athlete, a role model, but a murderer.

The blurb on the back of the book poses a number of questions. “A mysterious crime scene, an injustice and the psyche of the man behind it all. Was he driven by insecurity and fear, or aggression and anger? A helpless cripple or a narcissist with a chip on his shoulder?”, and asks whether the credibility of South Africa’s legal process was tarnished by the case.

Dr Dawie de Villiers, a professor and Head of the Department of Criminal Law and Procedure at the University of Johannesburg, was among the guests attending the launch during which the South African legal system was a significant topic.

According to the author, “The book can be used by law students as a case study”.

To purchase the book, which is available in both English and Afrikaans, visit http://booksdirectsa.com/.

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