2. The system for the organisation and functioning of the courts shall include
the following:
a) A common jurisdiction headed by the Supreme Court and including the
Courts of Appeal and other courts;
b) A military jurisdiction headed by the Supreme Military Court and
including the Regional Military Courts.
3. An autonomous administrative, fiscal and customs jurisdiction may also be
created, headed by a High Court.
4. Maritime courts may also be created.
5. The creation of courts with exclusive powers to try specific infractions shall
be prohibited.
Article 177
(Court rulings)
1. The courts shall guarantee and ensure observance of the Constitution, the
laws and any other legislative provisions in force, protection of the rights and
legitimate interests of citizens and institutions and shall decide on the legality
of administrative acts.
2. It shall be mandatory for all citizens and other legal entities to comply with
the decisions of the courts and these shall prevail over those of any other
authority.
3. The law shall regulate the terms for the execution of court rulings, sanction
those responsible for failing to comply with them and hold public and private
authorities who attempt to obstruct them criminally liable.
Article 178
(Administrative and financial autonomy of the courts)
The courts shall enjoy administrative and financial autonomy and the law must
define mechanisms to enable the judiciary to contribute towards drawing up their
budget.
Article 179
(Judges)
1. In the exercise of their duties, judges shall be independent and shall owe
obedience only to the Constitution and the law.
2. Judges shall not be removed from office, nor transferred, promoted,
suspended, retired or dismissed unless under the terms of the Constitution and
the law.
67/93
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