Courts of South Africa
The Constitutional Court now sits at the top of the whole system. Below it, the Supreme Court of Appeal and the High Courts handle most appeals and trials.
Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
Constitutional CourtHighest court on all matters since 2013
Ordinary courts
Supreme Court of Appeal
High CourtsDivisions across the provinces
Magistrates' Courts
Specialised courts
Labour Appeal Court and Labour Court
Land Claims Court
Competition Appeal Court
Worth knowing
- Customary courts also exist in some areas and apply customary law, within the limits of the Constitution.
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Sources
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TheLawToKnow Tools’s court-structure diagrams are simplified on purpose and are not legal advice. Report a mistake.
