Apex Court
Supreme Court
The highest court in Eswatini and the final court of appeal for all matters. It hears appeals from the High Court and the Industrial Court of Appeal.
Judicial Structure
Our Courts
The judiciary of Eswatini operates through a hierarchical court system designed to ensure the efficient and fair administration of justice.
7Courts
4Tiers
1907Earliest
How Justice Flows
The Court Hierarchy
Appeals generally follow the court hierarchy, starting from lower courts to higher courts. The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal.
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Find the Right Court
Filter by court type to learn more about each court’s functions, jurisdiction and locations.
Superior Court
High Court
The High Court has original jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters, as well as appellate jurisdiction from subordinate courts. It handles serious criminal cases and complex civil matters.
Superior Court
Industrial Court of Appeal
The Industrial Court of Appeal hears appeals from the Industrial Court on matters related to employment and labor disputes.
Specialized Court
Commercial Court
The Commercial Court is a division of the High Court that specializes in business and commercial disputes, providing focused expertise for complex business matters.
Specialized Court
Industrial Court
The Industrial Court handles disputes related to employment, labor relations, and workplace issues, ensuring fair resolution of workplace conflicts.
Specialized Court
Small Claims Court
The Small Claims Court handles minor civil disputes with a simplified procedure to allow easier access to justice for cases involving smaller monetary values.
Magistrate Court
Magistrate Courts
Magistrate Courts are the primary courts of first instance, handling a wide range of civil and criminal matters across the country, serving as the most accessible level of the judiciary.
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Good to Know
Jurisdiction & Access
Jurisdiction of Courts
Each court has specific jurisdictional limits, both in monetary value and subject matter. The Supreme Court has unlimited jurisdiction as the final appellate court, while the High Court has original jurisdiction in all civil and criminal matters.
Appeals Process
Appeals follow the court hierarchy. Decisions of the Magistrate Courts can be appealed to the High Court, while decisions of the High Court can be appealed to the Supreme Court, which is the final court of appeal.
Specialized Courts
The Industrial Court handles labour disputes, the Commercial Court deals with commercial matters, and the Small Claims Court handles minor civil claims. Swazi National Courts apply Swazi customary law.
Access to Justice
The judiciary provides legal aid services, translators for court proceedings, and works to ensure that court facilities are accessible to people with disabilities.