List of Judges in Namibia

Who is a Judge?

A judge is a person who presides over court proceedings, either alone or as a part of a panel of judges. The powers, functions, method of appointment, discipline, and training of judges vary widely across different jurisdictions. 

The judge hears all the witnesses and any other evidence presented by the prosecution and the defense. The judge decides whether the accused person is guilty or innocent on the basis of the evidence presented and in accordance with the law. If the accused is convicted, then the judge pronounces the sentence.

Overview of Namibia Department of Justice

The Namibian Constitution came into force on the eve of the country’s independence. As the supreme law of the country, therefore, the ultimate source of law in Namibia.

All other laws in Namibia trace their legitimacy and source from the Constitution. In order to prevent the creation of a legal vacuum, Article 140 of the Constitution logically provides that all laws in force immediately before the date of independence shall remain in force until repealed or amended by Act of Parliament or until they are declared unconstitutional by a competent court.

Since Independence the Law Reform Commission has been tasked to investigate and scrutinize all existing laws in order to align same with the Constitution abiding with the Rule of Law.​

List of Judges in Namibia

Below are the list of Judges in Namibia as at 2021

Supreme Court Judges

CHIEF JUSTICE – Honourable Justice Peter Shivute

​DEPUTY CHIEF JUSTICE – Honourable Justice Petrus Damaseb

Honourable Justice Sylvestor Mainga

Honourable Justice David Smuts

High Court Judges

JUDGE PRESIDENT – Honourable Justice Petrus Damaseb

​Honourable Jus​tice Elton Hoff

Honourable Justice Kato van Niekerk

Honourable Justice Nate Ndauendapo​

Honourable Justice Christi Liebenberg

Honourable Justice Naomi Shivute​

Honourable Justice Marlene Tommasi

Honourable Justice Alfred Siboleka

​Honourable Justice Harold Geier

Honourable Justice Shafimane Ueitele

Honourable Justice Maphios Cheda

Honourable Justice Herman January

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are frequently asked questions in related to the role of a judge and how much earnings judges make in Namibia;

What is the role of the judge in Namibia?

The judge hears all the witnesses and any other evidence presented by the prosecution and the defense. The judge decides whether the accused person is guilty or innocent on the basis of the evidence presented and in accordance with the law. If the accused is convicted, then the judge pronounces the sentence.

What is a judge simple definition?

One who makes judgments: such as.

a: a public official authorized to decide questions brought before a court.

b: one appointed to decide in a contest or competition

What are the qualities of a Namibian judge?

To be a good judge, you have to cultivate and maintain five ethical principles – judicial aloofness and detachment, honesty and integrity, judicial independence, judicial temperament with humility, and impartiality.

What are the duties of the judge in Namibia?

Judge Duties & Responsibilities

• Hear allegations of the prosecuting and defending parties.
• Listen to witness testimony.
• Rule on the admissibility of evidence.
• Inform defendants of their rights.
• Instruct the jury.
• Question witnesses.
• Rule on motions presented by counsel.

Do judges have too much power in Namibia?

Unlike people in the executive branch of government or law enforcement, judges have no free-floating powers. Judiciary has powers but not way too much. Judges only decide the matters according to the law made by the Parliament.

Do judges have a social life in Namibia?

It is often said that as a result of a very considerable amount of ordinary social activity, a Judge may become identified with people and points of view, and litigants may think they may not get fair trial. To repel that feeling, a Judge should avoid too much of social activity.

Is it hard to become a judge in Namibia?

The path to becoming a judge is a long, difficult journey that requires a lot of studying and hard work. However, through patience and diligence – two qualities that make an excellent judge – it is achievable! The first step is to get your undergraduate degree.

Can a judge still be a lawyer?

A judge should not practice law and should not serve as a family member’s lawyer in any forum. A judge may, however, act pro se and may, without compensation, give legal advice to and draft or review documents for a member of the judge’s family.

Are Namibian judges not allowed to socialize?

According to the code of conduct adopted by the Supreme Court 10 years ago, judges should be circumspect with respect to their social lives, particularly in interacting with lawyers outside the court.

Are judges not allowed to be on social media?

A judge may participate in electronic social networking, but as with all social relationships and contacts, a judge must comply with relevant provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct and avoid any conduct that would undermine the judge’s independence, integrity, or impartiality, or create an appearance of impropriety.

Is Judge life stressful in Namibia?

Despite the benefits, anecdotal evidence suggests that judges face unusually high levels of stress. Among these stressors is the lack of control most trial judges have over their caseload and the type of people appearing before them.

Is judge a good career in Namibia?

A Judge is an elected or appointed professional who presides over the court trial and hearing in order to come up with a decision. It is often believed that a Judge does all the work in the courtroom. However, it is not true. The job of a Judge brings lots of respect and responsibilities along with it thus making it a good career.

How does social media affect the judicial system?

Social media conduct creates opportunities for lawyers to better understand the beliefs of potential jurors, and it may even provide grounds to challenge jury verdicts on appeal or even in post-conviction proceedings in criminal cases.

Do judges need a law degree?

Believe it or not, the U.S. Constitution sets forth no specific requirements about who can become a federal judge. Federal judges include Supreme Court justices, court of appeals judges, and district court judges. … A federal judge is not even required to possess a law degree!

Can judges use Instagram?

In case any judicial officer or court official is found using the internet on mobile phone for surfing social websites like Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram during court hours, for the purpose other than mentioned hereinbefore, strict disciplinary action will be taken against him/her.

Why do judges need to be impartial?

Fair and impartial courts protect the rights of everyone to the fundamental promise of our justice system: equal justice under the law. When people come to court to resolve their disputes, they should have confidence that the judges deciding their cases will act in a neutral manner.

Are judges happy?

Judges are one of the happiest careers in Namibia. CareerExplorer conducted a survey with millions of people and ask them how satisfied they are with their careers. As it turns out, judges rate their career happiness 4.0 out of 5 stars which puts them in the top 9% of careers.