Section 182: Appointment of magistrates and other members of judiciary
Constitution of Zimbabwe
An Act of Parliament must provide for the appointment of magistrates and other judicial officers other than judges, but—
(a) magistrates must be appointed by the Judicial Service Commission;
(b) judicial officers other than magistrates or judges must be appointed with the approval
of the Judicial Service Commission;
(c) all such appointments must be made transparently and without fear, favour, prejudice
or bias.
Key Insight: Safeguarding Judicial Independence
This provision creates a balanced approach to judicial appointments below the judge level. By requiring the Judicial Service Commission's involvement in all appointments, it establishes an important check against political interference in the judiciary. The explicit requirements for transparency and impartiality are designed to build public trust in the legal system and ensure the judiciary can function as a truly independent branch of government.