Opinions - Magistrates Matter

Magistrates recommended for appointment as Judges after the April 2022 interviews

During the April 2022 session of the Judicial Service Commission, several magistrates put themselves forward as candidates for appointment as judges in the Superior Courts. We profile a few of those who interviewed successfully and were recommended for appointment.

New research shows uneven application of eviction laws in magistrate’s court

The Eviction Research Series is concerned with the way in which the courts have adjudicated eviction cases. It aims to assess the courts’ compliance with relevant legislation and case law.

Call for comments on the new 2022 Magistrates Bill

The Department of Justice and Correctional Services is calling for written comments on the new Magistrates Bill.

MAGISTRATES APPOINTED AS JUDGES AFTER THE OCTOBER 2021 JSC INTERVIEW ROUND

Following the October 2021 interviews and the recommendations of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), the President has appointed 25 judges to South Africa’s superior courts. Of the 25, five are magistrates who are rising through the ranks, and one a member of the Magistrates Commission. We take a closer look at these current and former […]

MAGISTRATES past and present, who successfully interviewed in the April 2021 JSC interviews

Following the April 2021 interviews and the recommendations of the JSC, President Ramaphosa has appointed 28 judges to South Africa’s courts. Of these 28, eight were magistrates that have risen or are rising through the ranks. We take a closer look at these current and former magistrates nominated for advancement. IN THE SUPREME COURT OF […]

The role of the appointments committee in the case of the magistrate AK Amos v Minister of Justice

The criteria for the appointment of magistrates, and in fact all judicial officers, goes far beyond the requirements of section 174(2). Lessons to be learnt from Magistrate AK Amos v Minister of Justice case.

‘Why Judicial officers must at all times be beyond reproach’ – The case of Mr Desmond Nair

In the last decade, there have been several allegations of corruption and capture of key organs of the state, from parastatal companies and government departments, including the highest offices in the land. The judiciary has not been left unscathed. So far very little proof has been handed up to substantiate claims against judicial officers and […]

[MEDIA STATEMENT] Appointment of Magistrates

The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services has made 158 new Magistrates’ appointments in vacancies around the country.

Section 174 of the Constitution – the appointment of judicial officers

Section 174 of the Constitution deals expressly with the criteria for the appointment of judicial officers. Of late, these requirements, or more specifically the application of these requirements has come under severe scrutiny.

THE DISCIPLINARY PROCESS OF MAGISTRATES FOR MISCONDUCT

The magistrate’s court is the first port of call for most citizens who encounter the justice system. It is for this reason that the security of tenure of magistrates must be safeguarded and magistrates must be held accountable for all conduct. To ensure that the security of tenure of magistrates is safeguarded and that magistrates […]

[MEDIA STATEMENT] MAGISTRATES MATTER CALLS FOR PROTECTION OF MAGISTRATES IN THE LINE OF DUTY FOLLOWING SHOOTING INCIDENT IN CAPE TOWN

Research already shows that magistrates feel unsafe in their working environment – the latest incident is a call for urgent action to protect them. Magistrates Matter is shocked and disturbed at media reports of an incident where a Cape Town magistrate was injured in a shooting incident. According to media reports, Magistrate A.C. Mashala was […]

Magistrates who will interview in the April 2021 JSC interviews

Interview preview: current and former magistrates on the path to high judicial office Prior to 1994, judges were only appointed from the ranks of senior counsel (advocates) at the Bar. These judges were almost exclusively white men. Today things are different. In accordance with our constitution, the judiciary is required to ‘broadly reflect the racial […]

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