Community Courts
Community courts identify and solve issues within a neighbourhood, focusing on addressing local safety and criminal justice issues.
The Community Courts Act of Namibia, 10 of 2003, outlines the establishment, functions, organisation, and management of community courts in Namibia.
Section 7 of the Act outlines the jurisdiction and powers of the community courts and Section 8 of the Act provides for the appointment of community court officials, including the presiding officers and clerks. The presiding officers are appointed by the Minister of Justice, while clerks are appointed by the presiding officer.
Family disagreements, civil cases, and small criminal proceedings can all be heard in community courts. For minor criminal offenses, the community courts have the authority to issue fines, community service requirements, and other non-custodial penalties. Community courts have the authority to grant the parties involved in civil cases damages, restitution, or other types of relief.
The Act also allows for the establishment of traditional courts, which are similar to community courts but have jurisdiction over issues of a more traditional nature and are run by members of the community such as traditional leaders. To ensure that all Namibian residents, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or social standing, have access to justice, traditional courts work closely with community courts.