Obiter was first published in 1979. Initially it was published once per year but since 1994 two volumes were published annually. As of 2005, three volumes have been published annually. Currently four volumes are published annually. From the contents over the years it is apparent that the purpose of the journal is to disseminate research results and that it supports a high level of learning, teaching and research in the subject of law.
Obiter publishes contributions relevant to the development of South African law. It welcomes contributions relating to all branches of South African law. Contributions of a comparative nature from any part of the world are also invited on the basis that the lessons drawn from the comparison are focused on South African Law.
Obiter is published quarterly and welcomes contributions in English. Additional special editions are published periodically.