Afghanistan Judicial branch

Judicial branch: the constitution establishes a nine-member Stera Mahkama or Supreme Court (its nine justices are appointed for 10-year terms by the president with approval of the Wolesi Jirga) and subordinate High Courts and Appeals Courts (note - nine supreme court justices were appointed in the interim in January 2005 pending National Assembly selection of the constitutionally mandated justices); there is also a minister of justice; a separate Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission established by the Bonn Agreement is charged with investigating human rights abuses and war crimes

Definition: This entry contains the name(s) of the highest court(s) and a brief description of the selection process for members.

Source: CIA World Factbook - Unless otherwise noted, information in this page is accurate as of April 17, 2006