The High Courts can hear any type of criminal or civil case. The High Courts usually hear all the cases that are too serious for a magistrate’s court. It also hears appeals and reviews against judgments in the magistrate’s court. Cases in the high courts cost more money.

All cases in the High Courts are heard by judges. In civil cases usually only one judge hears the case. But if the case is on appeal then at least two judges must hear the case.

In criminal cases only one judge hears the case. Sometimes in very serious criminal cases the judge appoints two assessors to help a judge. Assessors are usually advocates or retired magistrates. They sit with the judge during the court case and listen to all the evidence presented to the court. At the end of the court case they give the judge their opinion. The judge does not have to listen to the assessors’ opinions, but it usually helps the judge to make a decision.

The Judicial Services Commission recommends who should be appointed as judges to the president, who then appoints judges. Judges are paid by the state.