Courts of South Africa

Despite South Africa's division into nine provinces, the country has a single national court system.

African customary law is administered by chiefs' and headmen's courts, subject to the National House of Traditional Leaders.

The provincial divisions of the High Court of South Africa have general jurisdiction over their defined areas.

In criminal cases, district courts have jurisdiction over all crimes except treason, murder and rape, and can impose a sentence of no more than three years imprisonment and a fine of no more than R120,000.

In criminal cases, regional courts have jurisdiction over all crimes except treason, and can impose a sentence of no more than fifteen years imprisonment and a fine of no more than R600,000.

Parliament has established specialist courts to handle specific areas of law or types of case.

The Land Claims Court, which has status similar to a High Court division, handles claims for restitution, or compensation in place of restitution, to people or communities dispossessed of land under racially discriminatory laws.

It also deals with certain other cases involving agricultural labour tenants and other people who do not have secure rights to the land on which they live.

Minor military offences are dealt with in a disciplinary hearing by the commanding officer, who may impose penalties like fines, confinement to barracks, or extra duty.