Justice and Constitutional Development

Vote purpose

Uphold and protect the Constitution and the rule of law, and render accessible, fair, speedy and cost effective administration of justice in the interests of a safer and more secure South Africa.

Mandate

In addition to its constitutional mandate, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development derives its legislative mandate from a number of acts, which cover all the categories of the department’s functions. These include: the establishment of magistrates’ courts and appointments of magistrates and other judicial officers, their conditions of service, and discipline and training; the establishment and functioning of the National Prosecuting Authority, the Special Investigating Unit and the Asset Forfeiture Unit; the conduct of criminal proceedings; the investigation of organised crime and corruption, and the forfeiture of assets obtained through illicit means; provision of witness protection to vulnerable and intimidated witnesses and their related persons in judicial proceedings; the establishment and functioning of bodies responsible for legal aid, law reform and rule making; the appointment of masters of the high courts, and the administration of the Guardian’s Fund and deceased and insolvent estates; the regulation and provisioning of legal advisory services to government departments; the promotion, protection and enforcement of certain human rights; the protection of vulnerable groups; and support to chapter 9 institutions.