Unit

Appeal

Duties and Responsibilities

This Appeal Unit handles all appeals originating from Magistrates’ Courts and proceeding to the High Court. Its main function is to ensure that appeal records from lower courts are accurately compiled, transmitted, and properly managed until the appeal is heard and determined by the High Court.

A. CORE FUNCTIONS OF THE APPEAL UNIT (MAGISTRATES → HIGH COURT)

  1. Receipt & Registration of Appeals from Magistrates’ Courts
    • Receives Notices of Appeal filed at the Magistrates’ Court or High Court registry.
    • Opens an Appeal File and assigns an appeal number.
    • Enters the appeal into the High Court Appeal Register.
  2. Requesting and Receiving Lower Court Records
    • Sends formal request to the Magistrates’ Court for:
      • Original case file
      • Typed proceedings
      • Exhibits
      • Rulings/judgment
    • Follows up to ensure timely transmission of these materials.
  3. Verification of Records from Magistrate Court
    • Checks the received Magistrate Court file to ensure all required items are included:
      • FIAT (if applicable)
      • Charge sheet / complaint
      • Witness statements
      • Proceedings
      • Rulings/Judgment
      • Exhibits list
      • Counsel appearances
    • Identifies missing portions and requests them from the Magistrates' Court.
  4. Compilation of the Record of Appeal
    • Compiles a complete and orderly Record of Appeal for hearing at the High Court.
    • Includes:
      • Notice of Appeal
      • Grounds of Appeal
      • Lower court proceedings
      • List of exhibits
      • Judgment
      • Parties’ written addresses (if applicable)
    • Ensures indexing, pagination, arrangement, and certification.
  5. Certification of Court Proceedings
    • Certifies documents in the Record of Appeal as true copies.
    • Ensures accuracy and completeness before the file is passed to the appeal judge.
  6. Assignment of Appeals to High Court Judges
    • Sends the completed Appeal Record to the Deputy Chief Registrar (Litigation).
    • Assists in the administrative assignment of the appeal to a High Court Judge.
    • Prepares and releases cause lists for appeal hearings.
  7. Management of Appeal Hearings
    • Ensures the case file is with the assigned judge before the hearing date.
    • Notifies counsel and parties of hearing dates.
    • Prepares and supplies all documents needed during the hearing.
    • Keeps track of adjournments, rulings, and proceedings at the High Court level.
  8. Record Keeping & Documentation
    • Maintains an updated Appeal Register with:
      • Appeal number
      • Names of appellant/respondent
      • Date of filing
      • Assigned judge
      • Status of the appeal
    • Ensures secure storage of appeal files and exhibits.
  9. Communication & Liaison Functions
    • Communicates with:
      • Magistrates' Court
      • Counsel to the parties
      • Police/Correctional Service (in criminal appeals)
      • Litigation Registry
    • Handles enquiries and complaints on appeal status.
  10. Support to the High Court Judge
    • Prepares the appeal file for judge’s review.
    • Ensures all necessary materials for appeal determination are available.
    • Assists with enrollment/certification of appeal judgments when delivered.

B. HEAD OF APPEAL UNIT (MAGISTRATES → HIGH COURT)

Typically a Senior Registrar or Assistant Chief Registrar, responsible for:

  • Supervising all staff in the Appeal Unit.
  • Ensuring timely preparation of appeal records.
  • Vetting and approving the compiled Record of Appeal.
  • Monitoring all pending and completed appeals.
  • Reporting to the Deputy Chief Registrar (Litigation).