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. Vote mandate The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development derives its mandate from the Constitution and a number of acts that assign functions to it. These include: the establishment of magistrate’s courts and the appointment of magistrates and other judicial officers, the establishment and functioning of the National Prosecuting Authority, the conducting of criminal proceedings, the prosecution of organised crime and corruption, and the forfeiture of assets obtained through illicit means, the 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, the management of third-party funds, the administration of the Guardian’s Fund and deceased and insolvent estates, the management of state litigation, the regulation and provision of legal advisory services to government departments, the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights, the protection of vulnerable groups, and the provision of support to chapter 9 institutions.