Judiciary of South Africa

South Africa

This article is part of the series: Politics and government of South Africa

Constitution Bill of Rights Government Executive President Jacob Zuma Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe Cabinet Shadow Cabinet Legislative Parliament National Council of Provinces Chairperson M. J. Mahlangu National Assembly Speaker Max Sisulu Leader of the Opposition Helen Zille (national) Lindiwe Mazibuko (parliament) Judiciary Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng Pres. of Supreme Court of Appeal Lex Mpati Courts Constitutional Court Supreme Court of Appeal High Courts Magistrates' Courts Elections General: 1910 1915 1920 1921 1924 1929 1933 1938 1943 1948 1953 1958 1961 1966 1970 1974 1977 1981 1984 1987 1989 1994 1999 2004 2009 2014 Municipal: 2000 2006 2011 2016 Referendums: 1960 1983 1992 Administrative divisions Provinces Districts (MMs, DMs) Municipalities (list) Other Political parties Foreign relations Taxation

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The judiciary of South Africa is the body of judges and magistrates who sit in the courts of South Africa. The judiciary is an independent branch of the government, subject only to the Constitution of South Africa and the laws of the country. The Judiciary interprets the law of South Africa, using as the basis of its interpretation the laws enacted by the South African Parliament as well as explanatory statements made in the legislature during the enactment.

Chapter 8 of the Constitution of South Africa defines the structure of the South African judicial system. This chapter also guarantees the independence of the courts and requires other organs of the state to assist and protect the courts in order to ensure their "independence, impartiality, dignity, accessibility and effectiveness". In addition, Chapter 2 of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to have a dispute or trial heard by a fair, impartial and independent court.

The judiciary of South Africa consists of:

• The Chief Justice of South Africa, the Deputy Chief Justice and the other judges of the Constitutional Court
• The President, Deputy President and other judges of the Supreme Court of Appeal
• The Judge-President, Deputy Judges-President and other judges of each of the High Courts
• Regional and district magistrates of the Magistrates' Courts
• The judges of other courts established by Act of Parliament.

Permanent judges in the higher courts are appointed by the President of South Africa, in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission as well as the leaders of the political parties represented in South African National Assembly. The appointment of magistrates fall under the separate Magistrates' Commission

There is also a single national prosecuting authority that is responsible for the institution of criminal proceedings on behalf of the state.

Judicial Service Commission

The South African Judicial Service Commission plays an important role in the appointment of judges and also advises the country's national government on any matters relating to the judiciary and the administration of justice. It is a body established in the Constitution of South Africa "to advise the national government on any matter relating to the judiciary or the administration of justice" and for which separate legislation has been enacted.

The Judicial Service Commission's membership include:

• The Chief Justice of South Africa, who presides over its meetings
• The President of the Supreme Court of Appeal
• One Judge President designated by the Judges President
• The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, or his/her designated alternate
• Two practicing advocates nominated from within the advocates' profession
• Two practicing attorneys nominated from within the attorneys' profession
• One teacher of law, designated by the teachers of law at South African universities (typically the Dean of one of the Faculties of Law)
• Six members from the National Assembly (including three from opposition parties)
• Four members from the National Council of Provinces
• Four more persons designated by the President as head of the national executive, after consulting the leaders of all the parties in the National Assembly

When considering matters related to a specific High Court, the following additional members are included:

• The Judge President of that court, or his designated alternate
• The Premier of the province concerned, or his/her designated alternate

When the matter before the Commission does not concern the appointment of a judge, the members from the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces are excluded.

National Prosecuting Authority

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is responsible for the institution of criminal proceedings on behalf of the state. The NPA is headed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who is appointed by the President. The Constitution of South Africa states that legislation enacted by the South African Parliament must ensure that the NPA performs its functions without fear, favor or prejudice.

See also

• Government of South Africa
• Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
• Law of South Africa
• Courts of South Africa