What is the role of judges in South Africa?

How many years does it take to become a judge in South Africa?

You have to been in legal practice for some years before you can become a judge. Although there is no guideline of how many years you need to have been in practice, your experience must generally be broad yet deep.

What is the highest paying job in South Africa?

What do female judges wear under their robes?

Under men's judicial robes, judges usually wear white shirts with neckties. Under female judiciary robes, women may usually wear blouses. But in the summer, it's not unheard of for judges to wear golf shirts, casual t-shirts, and then they just put their judicial robes over the clothes.

How does the court system work in South Africa?

The Constitution requires that a matter be heard by a quorum of at least eight judges. In ordinary practice, all 11 judges hear every case. If any judge is absent for a long period or a vacancy arises, an acting judge may be appointed.

Can a judge refuse to wear a robe?

And, of course, judges follow the law. California Government Code Section 68110 states: "Every judge of a court of this state shall, in open court during the presentation of causes before him or her, wear a judicial robe, which the judge shall furnish at his or her own expense.

Who has more power, a judge or a magistrate?

Magistrates typically have limited jurisdiction and authority compared to judges. They manage less serious criminal cases, civil matters of lower value, and certain administrative functions such as issuing warrants and setting bail.

How to address a judge in South Africa?

The formality of address in any court room in South Africa has always amazed me. In the Magistrates Courts, the magistrates are addressed as "Your Worship". In the high courts, male judges are addressed as "My Lord", and female judges are addressed as "My Lady".

Can a judge overrule a magistrate?

The judge may conduct a hearing, take additional evidence, or refer the case back to the magistrate for a new trial. The judge will agree (sustain), disagree (overrule), or change the magistrate's decision and enter a final judgment.

Who can overrule a judge?

Most federal court decisions, and some state court rulings, can be challenged. The U.S. courts of appeals usually have the last word. The nation's 94 federal judicial districts are organized into 12 regional circuits, each of which has a court of appeals.

How powerful is a judge?

Judges exercise significant governmental power. They can order police, military or judicial officials to execute searches, arrests, imprisonments, garnishments, detainment, seizures, deportations and similar actions.

Can you call a judge sir?

In person: In an interview, social event, or in court, address a judge as “Your Honor” or “Judge [last name].” If you are more familiar with the judge, you may call her just “Judge.” In any context, avoid “Sir” or “Ma'am.”

Can you go to court without a lawyer in South Africa?

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.

Why was the jury system abolished in South Africa?

The extreme political polarization and racial strife in South Africa were actually at the crux of the nation's decision to abolish their jury system. Legislators feared that rampant racial prejudice would make it impossible to secure an impartial and fair jury.

How long does a court Judgement last in South Africa?

A judgment is granted by the court against a consumer who has not paid their debts to a credit/service provider. A judgment is public information and remains on your credit report for 5 years or until the judgment is rescinded by a court or paid in full.

Do all female judges wear collars?

Although most male judges have forsaken collars for a necktie, some female judges, including the late US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, continue to wear collars of different styles.

Why do judges wear black?

In the United States, the tradition generally comes from England where the judges wore robes. English judicial robes were colorful, but Chief Justice John Marshall of the Supreme Court of the United States elected to wear a black robe and set the standard for judges in the United States.

What is a decent salary in South Africa?

What is a good salary in South Africa? A good salary in South Africa depends on a number of factors, including your experience, education, industry, location and lifestyle. However, according to data from Numbeo, a salary of R30,000 or more per month is considered to be good.

What jobs pay 20k a month in South Africa?

What is the most demanded job in South Africa?

The top careers in South Africa for 2024 include Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity, Healthcare and Medical Services, Renewable Energy and Environmental Sciences, Finance and Financial Technology (FinTech), Education and E-Learning, Engineering and Construction, Marketing and Digital Marketing, and Logistics ...