HOW TO
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the most common questions about the Constitutional Court, with the legal basis of each.
What does the Constitutional Court do?
It administers justice in matters of a legal and constitutional nature: it reviews the constitutionality of provisions and acts of the State, decides appeals from other courts involving constitutional questions, and has jurisdiction in electoral and party-political matters (Constitution, Art. 181).
Can I appeal any decision to the Constitutional Court?
Only where the decision breaches principles, rights, freedoms or guarantees in the Constitution, and after ordinary appeals have been exhausted. The time limit is eight days from notification of the judgment. See the appeals guide →
Can the Court reassess the evidence in my case?
No. The Constitutional Court is not a further court of trial: it only checks whether the Constitution was breached.
Do I need a lawyer?
In appeals on grounds of unconstitutionality against judgments, representation by a lawyer registered with the Angolan Bar Association is mandatory (Law No. 3/08, Arts. 40 and 52(1)).
Are there court costs?
As a rule, no. The exception is concrete review proceedings (appeals on grounds of unconstitutionality), to which the general rules on costs apply (Law No. 3/08, Art. 15).
Can a citizen ask for a law to be declared unconstitutional?
Not directly. That request is reserved to bodies such as the President of the Republic, one tenth of the Members of the National Assembly, Parliamentary Groups, the Attorney General, the Ombudsman or the Bar Association (Constitution, Art. 230). See who may apply →
How are the Justices chosen?
The Court has 11 Justices: four appointed by the President of the Republic, four elected by the National Assembly, two elected by the Superior Council of the Judiciary and one selected by public competition. The term is seven years and cannot be renewed (Constitution, Art. 181). Meet the Justices →
Where can I find a judgment?
Under Judgments. Search by judgment number, case number, rapporteur, type or keywords. Each judgment has an English summary. Search judgments →
Does the Court deal with dismissals, crimes or identity documents?
No. Employment disputes, criminal cases and civil matters are for the ordinary courts; criminal complaints go to the Public Prosecution Service; identity documents are handled by the civil identification services. The Constitutional Assistant tells you where to go for each matter.
How do I contact the Court?
By e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone on (+244) 222 370 877. The address is Palácio da Justiça, Rua 17 de Setembro, Cidade Alta, Luanda. Contact →
This guide is for information only and does not replace the law or legal advice. Updated October 2026.