Constitutional Court

South African government

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

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The South African government's judiciary includes a Constitutional Court that reviews the constitutionality of legislative and administrative actions, especially concerning the bill of rights. This court is one of the highest in the country, alongside the Supreme Court of Appeal, which handles all appeals except those of a constitutional nature. The legal system is rooted in Roman-Dutch law, with Magistrate's Courts handling most civil and criminal cases. Judges are appointed by the president, with advice from the Judicial Service Commission.1

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South Africa
Justice
The judiciary comprises the Constitutional Court (with powers to decide on the constitutionality of legislative and administrative actions, particularly with respect to the bill of rights), the Supreme Court of Appeal (the highest court of appeal except in constitutional matters), the High Courts, and Magistrate’s Courts. Parliament may create…
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The judiciary comprises the Constitutional Court (with powers to decide on the constitutionality of legislative and administrative actions, particularly with respect to the bill of rights), the Supreme Court of Appeal (the highest court of appeal except in constitutional matters), the High Courts, and Magistrate’s Courts. Parliament may create…
Read More