6.3. Appellate jurisdiction

The Supreme Court replaced the British Privy Council as the highest Court of Appeal after independence. The Appellate jurisdiction can be classified under the following four heads:

1. Constitutional Matters: The appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court can be invoked by a certificate granted by the High Court in a case that involves substantial questions of law that requires the interpretation of the Constitution - Articles 132

2. Civil Matters: Appeals also lie to the Supreme Court in civil matters if the High Court concerned certifies that the case involves a substantial question of law of general importance, and in High Court’s opinion, it needs to be decided by the Supreme Court (Article 133).

3. Criminal Matters: In criminal cases, an appeal lies to the Supreme Court if the High Court