Constitutional Court

Question 1

1. Origin

Answer 1

• Bloemfontein
• Established by Interim Constitution, now operates under Final Constitution.
• function is to oversee the application and protection of human rights.

Question 2

2. Jurisdiction

Answer 2

• Highest court in all matters
• may decide (1) Constitutional matters, (2) any other matter and (3) makes the final decision on whether a matter is within its jurisdiction.
• may act as a court of appeal and as a court of first instance
• decisions binds all lower courts
• courts may only deal with constitutional matters as long as the decision is confirmed with the CC

Question 3

3. Presiding Officers

Answer 3

• Judges appointed by President with the consultation of the National Assembly and the JSC
• known as the ‘Chief Justice’ and the ‘Deputy chief justice’ with 9 other Justices.
• matters must be decided by at least 8 judges