My newsletter
Welcome. I’m Daniël Eloff, and this is where I write to think in public.
This Substack exists as a quiet corner of the internet away from the noise, the rage, and the ever-accelerating now. Here, I try to make sense of what matters in law, politics, culture, and the moral imagination of our time. My writing leans toward first principles, not first reactions. I believe ideas deserve room to breathe, and that clarity often comes only after careful inquiry.
You won’t find hot takes here. But you may find cold truths, warm arguments, and the occasional uncomfortable question asked in good faith. I write from a perspective skeptical of power, allergic to dogma, and open to persuasion. That doesn’t mean neutrality, but it does mean I try to understand before I conclude.
Sometimes I publish essays here directly. Sometimes I share writing published elsewhere, with added reflection or context. Either way, the aim is the same: to speak honestly, think rigorously, and if I’m lucky, earn your trust over time.
Thanks for reading.
Me
I'm a South African attorney, writer, and occasional academic. My legal work has spanned both the private and public section with a focus on public interest litigation, administrative law, and digital rights. I've also lectured in law and ethics and hold an LLM in Constitutional and Cyber Law and a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Rights Advocacy.
This newsletter is where I step outside the courtroom and into the public square. I write to explore the tensions between law and liberty, institutions and individuals, and the ideals that shape our civic life.
If you're interested in my attempt at thoughtful reflections on law, politics, and culture, I invite you to subscribe and join the conversation.
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