In this podcast we explore the third branch of government in Zimbabwe, the judiciary, its responsibility and tasks. This podcast is part of the Civics Academy Governance Series for Zimbabwe.
Democracies are characterised by the separation of functions and powers between the three branches of government: the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. Each branch checks the power of the other two so that there is a balance of power between them.
The judiciary interprets and applies the law – including the Constitution – and ensures that the other two branches comply with it. In this way the judiciary checks the exercise of power of the legislature and the executive.
The judiciary is composed of various courts across the country, presided over by judges and magistrates. The courts decide disputes and apply the Constitution.
Chapter 8 of our Constitution defines the structure of the Zimbabwean judiciary. At the top of the system is the Constitutional Court. Below it is the Supreme Court and the various High Courts in the main centres, for example Harare. These courts are presided over by judges. Below the high court you find magistrates’ courts, presided over by magistrates. The Constitution also allows for the creation of specialised courts like the labour court and the administrative court.
