South Africa
Superior Courts Act, 2013
Norms and standards for the performance of judicial functions, 2014
Government Notice 147 of 2014
- Published in Government Gazette 37390 on 28 February 2014
- Commenced on 28 February 2014
- [This is the version of this document from 28 February 2014.]
1. Preamble
Whereas section 165(1) of the Constitution provides that the judicial authority of the Republic is vested in the courts;AND Whereas the Constitution further provides that—2. Objectives
These norms and standards seek to achieve the enhancement of access to quality justice for all; to affirm the dignity of all users of the court system and to ensure the effective, efficient and expeditious adjudication and resolution of all disputes through the courts, where applicable. These objectives can only be attained through the commitment and co-operation of all Judicial Officers in keeping with their oath or solemn affirmation to uphold and protect the Constitution and the human rights entrenched in it and to deliver justice to all persons alike without fear, favour or prejudice in accordance with the Constitution and the law.3. Core values
The norms and standards set out in this document are underpinned by the following core values:4. Management of judicial functions
The overall responsibility of managing judicial functions and for overseeing the implementation of these norms and standards vests in the Chief Justice as Head of the Judiciary in terms of section 165(6) of the Constitution and section 8(2) of the Superior Courts Act.The co-ordination of the judicial functions of all Magistrates’ Courts falling within the jurisdiction of the Division of the High Court is the responsibility of the Judge President of that Division. The Heads of the various Courts will manage the judicial functions and ensure that all Judicial Officers perform their judicial functions efficiently. In the case of the Magistrates’ Court, the Heads, who are the Regional Court Presidents and the Heads of the Administrative Regions will account for such management to the relevant Judge President. The President of the Supreme Court of Appeal as well as each Judge President will account to the Chief Justice for the management of his or her court and, in the case of Judges President, the management of the Magistrates' Courts falling within his or her jurisdiction.The Chief Justice may designate any Judge to assist him or her in his or her judicial or leadership functions.The list of judicial functions envisaged in section 8(6) of the Superior Courts Act (as well as section 165 of the Constitution), which is not exhaustive, is set out below:5. Norms and standards
6. Monitoring and implementation
History of this document
28 February 2014 this version
Commenced