What is the highest court for constitutional matters in South Africa?

The highest court for constitutional matters in South Africa is the Constitutional Court of South Africa.

The court was created by South Africa’s interim Constitution and began operating in 1995, during the country’s transition from apartheid to constitutional democracy. It was initially focused chiefly on constitutional questions, including disputes about fundamental rights and the validity of government action.

The 1996 Constitution placed the court at the top of the judicial system. The Constitution describes it as the highest court of the Republic, and it has the final say on constitutional interpretation and the constitutionality of legislation or presidential conduct. Its decisions bind other courts and state institutions.

A common mix-up is the Supreme Court of Appeal. That court is the highest appellate court for many ordinary civil and criminal matters, while the Constitutional Court has final authority when constitutional issues are involved. The Constitutional Court sits in Johannesburg and normally hears cases with at least eight judges.