INTRODUCTION TO THE ZAMBIAN JUDICIARY
The Judiciary of Zambia is an independent arm of the government. Under Article 91(2) of the Constitution, Judges, Magistrates and Justices shall be independent, impartial and subject only to the Constitution and the law. They shall also conduct themselves in accordance with the code of conduct promulgated by parliament.
Article 91(1) of the Constitution defines the composition of the Judicature of the Republic as consisting of:
The Supreme Court of Zambia;
The High Court of Zambia;
The Industrial Relations Court;
The Subordinate Court;
The Local Court; and
such lower Courts as may be prescribed by an Act of Parliament. For example, the Small Claims Courts established by the Small Claims Courts Act Chapter 47 of the Laws of Zambia.
Article 98 (2) provides for the tenure of offices of the Judges that they shall vacate office on attaining the age of sixty-five and they may only be removed from office for inability to perform the functions of office, whether arising from infirmity of body or mind, incompetence or misbehaviour.
The Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Court are appointed by the President on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, subject to ratification by the National Assembly as stated by Article 95 of the Constitution.
The Magistrates who preside over Subordinate Courts are appointed by the Judicial Service Commission, acting in the name of the President.
Under Article 91(3) of the Constitution the Judicature shall be autonomous and it is administered in accordance with the Judicature Administration Act Chapter 24 of the Laws of Zambia.
Judiciary Objectives
The roles or core functions of the Judiciary include the following:
Administer justice through resolving disputes between individual and individual, and between state and individual
Interpret the constitution and the laws of Zambia
Promote the rule of law and contribute to the maintenance of order in society
Safeguard the constitution and uphold democratic principles
Protect human rights of individuals and groups
The Administration of Judicature
According to Section 3(1) of the Judicature Administration Act Chapter 24 of the Laws of Zambia, The President, on recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, appoints a Chief Administrator who is responsible for the day to day running of the Judicature and the implementation of resolutions of the Judicial Service Commission.
The Chief Administrator :-
is the Controlling Officer regarding the expenditure of the Judicature within the meaning of the Finance (Control and Management) Act Chapter 347 0f the Laws of Zambia.
Keeps books of accounts and other records in relation to the accounts of the Judicature.
Prepares and submits financial reports concerning the activities of the Judicature to the President.
CONTACT PERSON
The Chief Administrator,
Supreme Court Building,
Box 50067,
LUSAKA.
Tel. 251330
