In simple terms
Section 120(4) of the 1991 Constitution makes the Superior Court of Judicature the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court. Their composition and are fixed by the Constitution itself.
The Supreme Court
Composition: Under section 121 it consists of the Chief Justice and not less than four other Justices. Judges from other similar common law systems may be asked to sit, but never more than the Justices sitting. It is properly constituted by at least three Justices.
Appellate jurisdiction: It is the final court of appeal (s.122(1)). Appeals lie to it from the Court of Appeal as of right in some cases and otherwise with leave (s.123).
Original jurisdiction: Under section 124 it has exclusive original jurisdiction over the enforcement or interpretation of the Constitution and over whether an enactment was made in excess of power. Other courts must refer such questions to it.
Supervisory jurisdiction: Under section 125 it supervises all other courts and adjudicating authorities and may issue , , and prohibition.
The Court of Appeal
Composition: Under section 128 it consists of the Chief Justice and not less than seven Justices of Appeal, and sits as a bench of three.
Jurisdiction: It hears appeals from the High Court in civil and criminal matters (s.129).
The High Court
Composition: Under section 131 it consists of the Chief Justice and not less than nine High Court Judges. It sits as a single judge, or a judge with a jury.
Jurisdiction: It has original jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters, appellate jurisdiction over inferior courts, and supervisory jurisdiction over inferior courts and tribunals (ss.132 to 134).
Divisions: The Chief Justice organises the High Court into divisions. They include the Commercial and Admiralty Division (the Fast Track Commercial Court, set up in 2010), the Land, Property and Environment Division, the Family and Division, and divisions for criminal, anti-corruption and sexual offences cases.
Written decisions
Three months: Section 120 requires every court established under the Constitution to deliver its decision in writing within three months after the end of the evidence and final addresses or arguments.
Words and Latin in this note
- Habeas corpus
- An order requiring a person who holds someone in custody to bring them before the court, so the court can decide whether the detention is lawful. Open the note.
- Certiorari
- An order of a superior court that brings up the decision of a lower court or public body so it can be checked and, if it was unlawful, set aside. Open the note.
- Mandamus
- An order of a superior court telling a public officer or body to carry out a duty the law requires of them. Open the note.
Memory map
The Superior Court of Judicature
The Supreme Court
- Composition
- Appellate jurisdiction
- Original jurisdiction
- Supervisory jurisdiction
The Court of Appeal
- Composition
- Jurisdiction
The High Court
- Composition
- Jurisdiction
- Divisions
Key points
- The superior courts are the Supreme Court, the…
- Supreme Court
- Court of Appeal
- High Court
Cases
- All People's Congress v NASMOS &…
- Sam-Sumana v Attorney-General &…
Key terms
- Certiorari
- Habeas corpus
- Mandamus
- Probate
Take-home points
- The superior courts are the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court (s.120(4)).
- Supreme Court: Chief Justice plus at least four Justices; final appeal, original constitutional jurisdiction and supervision (ss.121 to 125).
- Court of Appeal: Chief Justice plus at least seven Justices of Appeal, sitting as three (s.128).
- High Court: Chief Justice plus at least nine judges; original, appellate and supervisory jurisdiction (ss.131 to 134).
- Decisions must be given in writing within three months (s.120).
Cases in this topic
Related case law
Full judgments on Lanbuk on the same areas of law.
- Coker v Coker, 1950-56 ALR S.L. 130Sierra Leone
- Basma v The State (CR APP 1 of 2012) [2012] SLSC 10 (12 December 2012)Sierra Leone
- Ezzaat Basma v S (CR APP 1 of 2012) [2012] SLSC 13 (12 December 2012)Sierra Leone
- Ezzat Basma v S (CR APP 12 of 2012) [2012] SLSC 18 (12 December 2012)Sierra Leone
- S v Ikubolaje Nicol (SC.MISC.APP. 01/2023) [2024] SLSC 1 (30 January 2024)Sierra Leone
- Petition against The Election of His Excellency Dr Ernest Bai Koroma as the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone as per the Declaration of the Result of the Presidential Elections of 17th November 2012 (SC 4 of 2013) [2013] SLSC 4 (14 June 2013)Sierra Leone
- JA-AB (SL) Ltd v PSG Shipping & Logistics (CIVAPP 60/2025) [2026] SLCA 6 (28 July 2026)Sierra Leone
- Wanga v Republic (Petition E030 of 2023) [2024] KESC 38 (KLR) (2 August 2024) (Judgment)
See also
Lecture notes on this subject
- Court Structure: Overview of the Sierra Leone JudiciarySierra Leone legal system
- Sierra Leone Legal System: Diploma Examination PaperSierra Leone legal system
- Sierra Leone Legal System: Diploma Examination AnswersSierra Leone legal system
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