Section 168: Supreme Court
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) The Supreme Court is a superior court of record and consists ofโ
(a) the Chief Justice and the Deputy Chief Justice;
(b) no fewer than two other judges of the Supreme Court; and
(c) any additional judges appointed under subsection (2).
(2) If the services of an additional judge are required on the Supreme Court for a limited period, the Chief Justice may appoint a judge of the High Court, or a former judge to act as a judge of the Supreme Court for that period.
(3) Judges or former judges appointed to act under subsection (2) may continue to sit as judges of the Supreme Court after their appointments have expired, for the purpose of dealing with any proceedings commenced before them while they were so acting.
Insight: The Supreme Court Structure and Flexibility
This section establishes the Supreme Court as Zimbabwe's highest court of record with a minimum core structure (Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, and at least two other judges), while providing flexibility through temporary appointments. This adaptable design allows the judiciary to manage fluctuating caseloads without permanent expansion of the court. The provision for judges to continue hearing cases they started even after their temporary appointment expires ensures judicial continuity and prevents disruption of ongoing proceedings.