Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa
Encyclopedia
The Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa is a judge in the Constitutional Court of South Africa
and the second-highest judicial post in the Republic of South Africa
, after the Chief Justice
. The post, originally called "Deputy President of the Constitutional Court", was created in September 1995 by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Second Amendment Act, 1995, which was an amendment to the Interim Constitution. The position was retained by the final Constitution
which came into force in February 1997. In November 2001 the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Amendment Act, 2001 restructured the judiciary, and the post was renamed to "Deputy Chief Justice".
The first Deputy President of the Constitutional Court was Ismail Mahomed
. In 1997 he became Chief Justice, and was replaced by Pius Langa
, who continued as Deputy Chief Justice after 2001. Justice Lange was elevated to Chief Justice in 2005, and succeeded by the current holder of the position, Dikgang Moseneke
.
Constitutional Court of South Africa
The Constitutional Court of South Africa was established in 1994 by South Africa's first democratic constitution: the Interim Constitution of 1993. In terms of the 1996 Constitution the Constitutional Court established in 1994 continues to hold office. The court began its first sessions in February...
and the second-highest judicial post in the Republic of South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, after the Chief Justice
Chief Justice of South Africa
The Chief Justice of South Africa is the head of the judiciary of South Africa, who exercises final authority over the functioning and management of all the courts...
. The post, originally called "Deputy President of the Constitutional Court", was created in September 1995 by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Second Amendment Act, 1995, which was an amendment to the Interim Constitution. The position was retained by the final Constitution
Constitution of South Africa
The Constitution of South Africa is the supreme law of the country of South Africa. It provides the legal foundation for the existence of the republic, sets out the rights and duties of its citizens, and defines the structure of the government. The current constitution, the country's fifth, was...
which came into force in February 1997. In November 2001 the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Amendment Act, 2001 restructured the judiciary, and the post was renamed to "Deputy Chief Justice".
The first Deputy President of the Constitutional Court was Ismail Mahomed
Ismail Mahomed
Justice Ismail Mahomed was a South African lawyer who served as the Chief Justice of South Africa and the Supreme Court of Namibia, and co-authored the constitution of Namibia.-Early life:...
. In 1997 he became Chief Justice, and was replaced by Pius Langa
Pius Langa
Pius Nkonzo Langa was previously Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa. He was appointed to the bench in 1994 by Nelson Mandela, became Deputy Chief Justice in 2001 and was elevated as Chief Justice in 2005 by Thabo Mbeki. He retired in October 2009.-External links:**...
, who continued as Deputy Chief Justice after 2001. Justice Lange was elevated to Chief Justice in 2005, and succeeded by the current holder of the position, Dikgang Moseneke
Dikgang Moseneke
Dikgang Ernest Moseneke is the current Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa. He was appointed to the bench in 2002 by Thabo Mbeki, and was elevated as Deputy Chief Justice in 2005 by Thabo Mbeki....
.