It has both original and appellate jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters and consists of nine members, including the President of the court.
The 127 Courts of Residence (Resident Magistrate's Courts) operate at the Commune level and deal with both criminal and civil cases, including land matters, matters relating to evictions, family and persons related matters and infractions against the Highway Code.
The Courts have limits on the fines and custodial sentences they can award.
It has seven members appointed by the President of the Republic and approved by the Senate.
The Judicial Service Commission is made up of five members nominated by the Executive, three judges of the Supreme Court, two magistrates from the National Department of Public Prosecutions, two judges from the resident magistrates' courts and three members of the legal profession in private practice.