About us:

The Constitutional Tribunal (Student Court) is the judicial arm of student governance at the University of Pretoria. We function as an independent, impartial, and objective student court.

The Tribunal is the custodian of the University of Pretoria Constitution for Student Governance, which contains a justiciable 'Student Bill of Rights'. This essentially means the Tribunal is responsible for the resolution of student disputes, inter society disputes, and SRC constitutional matters. 

Judges also sit on the Disciplinary Committee for Students of the University of Pretoria.

Structure of the Tribunal:

The Constitutional Tribunal consists of between 12-18 Student Judges.

All Constitutional Tribunal judges are well trained, final and pre-final year law students with a passion and respect for students’ rights and justice. 

Of the selected Student Judges, 3 make up the Executive Committee (Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, and the Registrar). The remaining Judges are either Senior Student Judges or Ordinary Student Judges.

What you need to Know:

1. Any student can approach the Constitutional Tribunal for an advisory opinion on a legal question or issue related to them (in their capacity as a student), or related to a student structure.
2. If you believe that your rights have been threatened or infringed (in your capacity as a student) or there is a dispute related to you (in your capacity as a student), or student structure at UP, you can approach the Tribunal  for: 

• A Mediation of the Dispute: a negotiation and dispute resolution process which facilitates compromise and settlement between the parties. The aim of the mediation is to resolve the dispute through structured discussions between parties, with the advice and guidance of a Judge. 
• An Adjudication of the Matter: a dispute resolution process in which written arguments are filed, evidence is tendered, and oral representations may be made. A panel of judges makes a binding decision (order and/or judgment) to resolve the matter. 

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How to bring a case and/or launch proceedings:

1. Check out the applicable Rules of the Tribunal.
2. See the 'Forms for Parties' link above. Select, download and complete the relevant form/s.
3. Email the completed forms to [email protected] 
4. If you have any questions or queries, please email us at [email protected].