SECTION I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES Article 161 1. It shall be the function of the courts to guarantee and strengthen the rule of law as an instrument of legal stability to guarantee respect for the laws, to safeguard the rights and freedoms of citizens, as well as the juridical interests of other legal entities. 2. The courts shall educate citizens in the voluntary and conscious observance of laws, thus establishing a just and harmonious social community. 3. The courts shall punish violations of the legal order and shall adjudicate disputes in accordance with the law. Article 162 Under no circumstances may the courts apply laws principles which are contrary to the Constitution. Article 163 It shall be obligatory for all citizens and other legal entities to obey court decisions. The decisions of the courts take precedence over the decisions of other authorities. Article 164 1. In the exercise of their functions, judges shall be independent. and shall owe obedience only to the law. 2. Judges shall likewise be impartial and disinterested. Article 165 1. Judges may be held responsible in civil, criminal and disciplinary proceedings for acts committed in the discharge of their duties only in cases specified by law. 2. The removal of a professional judge from the bench may only take place under legally established terms. Article 166 Professional judges may not undertake any other public or private activity, except teaching or research. Article 167 1. In the Republic of Mozambique there shall be the following courts: a) the Supreme Court and other courts of justice; b) the Administrative Court; c) courts-martial; d) customs courts; e) fiscal courts; f) maritime courts; g) labor courts. 2. Other than the courts specified in the Constitution, no other court may be established with jurisdiction over specific categories of crimes. SECTION II. SUPREME COURT Article 168 1. In the Republic of Mozambique judicial powers shall be exercised through the Supreme Court and other courts as established by law. 2. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial organ, and shall have jurisdiction throughout the national territory. 3. The Supreme Court shall ensure the uniform application of the law for the benefit of the Mozambican people. Article 169 The Supreme Court shall act: a) in sections, as a trial court of original and appellate jurisdiction; 22