Are hearings open to the public?
The public may attend Court hearings. To find out when the Court will be sitting, check the list of forthcoming hearings on the home page. Hearings normally start at 10am.

How many judges are assigned to hear a case?
There are 11 justices of the Constitutional Court. All available judges sit for all hearings, but a matter before the Court must be heard by at least eight judges.

How does one address a judge?
Judges at the Constitutional Court are addressed as "justice" or "judge".

How is a case brought before the Constitutional Court?
A case can reach the Constitutional Court:

• as the result of an appeal from a judgment of another court (rule 19);
• as a direct application to the Court, asking it to sit as a court of first and last instance because of the existence of exceptional circumstances (rule 18 and section 167(6)(a) of the Constitution);
• as the result of a court declaring a piece of legislation invalid, which requires confirmation by the Constitutional Court; or
• as a Bill that Parliament asks the Court to review.

Do I need a lawyer to prepare and file documents in the Constitutional Court?
You do not have to have a lawyer to prepare and file documents in the Constitutional Court. The rules of the Court, which govern procedures before it, will help you to prepare. However, you are encouraged to obtain some form of legal assistance before coming to the Court.

Do I have to pay a fee?
A revenue stamp of R75.00 is needed on the original document.

What are the deadlines for filing documents
Deadlines, which are imposed by the Court rules, vary depending on the nature and stage of the proceedings involved. Please note that it is a litigant's responsibility to check the rules. All time limits are expressed in court days, but Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays are excluded when calculating court days. See the guide to deadlines for filing documents with the Constitutional Court.

The main categories of applications, and the rules that govern them, are:

• urgent applications (rule 12);
• applications for direct access to the Court (rule 18);
• applications for leave to appeal (rule 19);
• confirmation proceedings (rule 16); and
• amici curiae (rule 10.)

How do I find out if an Act has been challenged?
You may phone the registrar on +27 11 359-7400 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also search our judgments database.

How do I find out the status of a case?
You may phone the registrar on +27 11 359-7400 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also enter the case name in the library quick search window.

When can I expect to hear the Court's decision?
You will be informed by the registrar. You can also find the latest decisions on the home page, under the heading "latest judgments".

Do I have to be present at the Court when it renders a decision in my case?
No. The Court notifies all parties to a case of the date on which it will hand down the judgment. Once the judgment has been handed down it is final and binding. The absence of one or more of the parties has no effect on the decision.