What is the institutional framework of the judiciary? 

Rwanda's judiciary has a dual institutional framework that includes both formal courts and traditional justice mechanisms. 

Article 152 of Rwanda Constitution of 2003 as revised in 2015 provides that courts consist of Ordinary and Specialized Courts.

Ordinary Courts are comprised of:

• The Supreme Court,
• Court of Appeal,
• the High Court,
• Intermediate Courts, and
• Primary Courts.

Specialized Courts are comprised of 

• Commercial Courts and 
• Military Courts.  

An organic law may establish or remove an ordinary or specialized court.[1]

Institutional Framework of the Judiciary:

1. Formal Court System:

Supreme Court:The Supreme Court is the highest court in the country. Its territorial Jurisdiction covers the entire territory of the Republic of Rwanda. It has original and appellate Jurisdiction in Civil, Criminal, Commercial and Administrative matters as defined by the law n°30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of courts.[2]

High Courts:The High Court is based in the City of Kigali and has five chambers located in Musanze, Nyanza, Rwamagana and Rusizi which have both original and appellate jurisdiction in civil, criminal and administrative matters. The fifth chamber is the specialized chamber dealing with International Crimes.[3]

Intermediate Courts: These handle less serious criminal and civil cases.

There are 12 intermediate courts in the country. The Intermediate Courts have both original and appellate jurisdiction in civil, criminal and administrative matters.[4]

Primary Courts: The lower-level courts dealing with less serious criminal and civil cases.

There are 41 Primary Courts and they rule over original civil and criminal matters as defined in the law that determines the Organization, functioning and competence of courts.[5]

The commercial courts

Commercial court: Has original Jurisdiction over commercial cases 

Commercial High Court: Has the appellate jurisdiction over commercial cases.[6]

The Military Court 

The Military High Court Court of Appeal: The Court of Appeal adjudicates on appeal level cases handled by the High court, the Commercial High Court and the Military High Court in accordance with the relevant laws.

2.     Traditional Justice Mechanisms:

Gacaca Courts: Historically, Gacaca Courts were community-based tribunals established to address crimes committed during the 1994 genocide. They operated at the grassroots level and involved community members in the resolution process. The Gacaca Courts have largely completed their mandate, and their role has diminished.

[1] https://www.gov.rw/government/judiciary

[2] https://www.gov.rw/government/judiciary

[3] https://www.gov.rw/government/judiciary

[4] https://www.gov.rw/government/judiciary

[5] https://www.gov.rw/government/judiciary

[6] https://www.gov.rw/government/judiciary