Courts of South Africa - Specialist Courts

Specialist Courts

Parliament has established specialist courts to handle specific areas of law or types of case. In some cases these courts have exclusive jurisdiction and the matters are excluded from the jurisdiction of the High Courts and the magistrates' courts.

The Labour Court, which has status similar to a High Court, deals with labour law and the relationship between employer, employee and trade union, in particular cases arising under the Labour Relations Act and the Employment Equity Act. The Labour Appeal Court has status similar to the Supreme Court of Appeal, and hears appeals from the Labour Court. There is no further appeal except on constitutional matters, in which case appeals may be heard by the SCA and the Constitutional Court.

The Land Claims Court, which has status similar to a High Court, 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.

The Electoral Court, which has status similar to a High Court, handles matters related to elections, and in particular appeals against decisions of the Independent Electoral Commission.

Tax Courts handle disputes between taxpayers and the South African Revenue Service over tax assessments.