2. In performing their functions, judges are independent and owe obedience only to the
Constitution, the law and to their own conscience.
3. Judges have security of tenure and, unless otherwise provided for by law, may not be
transferred, suspended, retired or removed from office.
4. To guarantee their independence, judges may not be held liable for their judgments
and decisions, except in the circumstances provided for by law.
5. The law shall regulate the judicial organisation and the status of the judges of the
courts of law.
Section 122
(Exclusivity)
Judges in office may not perform any other functions, whether public or private, other
than teaching or legal research, in accordance with the law.
Section 123
(Categories of courts)
1. There shall be the following categories of courts in the Democratic Republic of East
Timor:
a) The Supreme Court of Justice and other courts of law;
b) The High Administrative, Tax and Audit
administrative courts of first instance;
Court and other
c) Military Courts.
2. Courts of exception shall be prohibited and there shall be no special courts to judge
certain categories of criminal offence.
3. There may be Maritime Courts and Arbitration Courts.
4. The law shall determine the establishment, organisation and functioning of the courts
provided for in the preceding items.
5. The law may institutionalise means and ways for the non-jurisdictional resolution of
disputes.
Section 124
(Supreme Court of Justice)
1. The Supreme Court of Justice is the highest court of law and the guarantor of a
uniform enforcement of the law, and has jurisdiction throughout the national territory.