The High Court of Zambia is the superior court of record with unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters. It also enforces constitutional rights and can review decisions of lower courts and government authorities.
The High Court of Zambia is established under Article 133 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016. It is a superior court of record with unlimited original jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters. Key functions: hearing and deciding serious criminal cases; civil claims of any value; enforcement of constitutional rights and freedoms (especially the Bill of Rights); judicial review of government and administrative decisions; and appeals from magistrates' courts. For human rights enforcement: an aggrieved person can apply directly to the High Court for redress of any violation of the Bill of Rights (Part III of the Constitution). Courts can order remedies including declarations, injunctions, and damages. For urgent matters (e.g., ongoing detention, imminent eviction), the High Court can grant an injunction or interim relief on an emergency basis without first notifying the other party, if the matter is truly urgent. The High Court has divisions in Lusaka (principal seat), Ndola, Livingstone, Kabwe, Chipata, and other major towns.
A landlord changes the locks on a tenant's house while the tenant is away. The tenant urgently applies to the High Court for an interlocutory injunction. The court grants an order restoring access and setting a date for the full hearing.
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