RSA Courts

Hierarchy:

a)Superior courts: CC in Jhb, SCA in Bloemfontein, special

courts e.g. tax, labour; High courts –local & provincial

divisions

b)Inferior courts: Regional magistrates’ court, district

magistrates court, chiefs & headmen, small claims

 

Inferior are lower courts which handle less

serious cases compared to superior ones,

jurisdiction is limited & cannot create

judicial precedent because they follow

decisions of higher court. Superior courts

create judicial precedent, handle more

complex matters and their judgements

are reported in the law reports. Bound

by own decision unless wrong, lower

courts follow such decision in their

decisions.

 District Court (max sent. 3yrs/R10000)

2. Regional Court (max sent. 15

yrs./R20000

 3. High Court: Appeals from lower courts, courts of 1st

instance, specialised courts

 4. Supreme Court of Appeal: Appeals from High courts, not court of 1st instance

 5. Constitutional Court: Appeals on constitutional matters; also court of 1st instance in constitutional matters.