South Africa - 1996 - Justice

Abolition of Restrictions on the Jurisdiction of Courts Act 88 of 1996

Department of Justice and Constitutional Development

Repeals and amends laws that previously restricted the jurisdiction of South African courts, particularly those rooted in apartheid-era legislation. It eliminates discriminatory provisions in statutes such as the Black Administration Act and the Prevention of Illegal Squatting Act, enabling courts to exercise full and equal jurisdiction across all communities.

Process Flow

Compare Versions Please select two versions

Abolition of Restrictions on the Jurisdiction of Courts Act 88 of 1996 Current Version

September 2025

Repeals and amends laws that previously restricted the jurisdiction of South African courts, particularly those rooted in apartheid-era legislation. It eliminates discriminatory provisions in statutes such as the Black Administration Act and the Prevention of Illegal Squatting Act, enabling courts to exercise full and equal jurisdiction across all communities.

Request Expert Analysis

Ask one of our policy analysts to take an in-depth look at this policy and provide you with a written summary. An additional cost may apply. Please let us know what questions you are looking to answer.

Thank you for requesting an expert analysis

A member of our team will review your request and reply back to the email address on file.