SALRC Invites Public Comment on Criminal Procedure Act Review

Posted 27 March 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Criminal Law

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) has issued a call for public input on two new discussion documents regarding the overhaul of the criminal justice system.

In terms of the ongoing review of the Criminal Procedure Act, No. 51 of 1977, the SALRC has invited stakeholders to submit comments by 15 May 2026. These documents represent the latest phase of Project 100, which seeks to modernise and streamline South Africa’s criminal procedural framework.

The two new papers follow a series of previous releases in the broader criminal law review process, including five documents published in February 2026 and four published in 2025. According to the SALRC, the current papers explore specific regulatory and procedural aspects of the criminal justice value chain, focusing on:

  • Procedural requirements and efficiencies during the trial phase; and
  • Matters related to sentencing and post-trial processes.

The Commission’s review is intended to address systemic bottlenecks and ensure that the Criminal Procedure Act, No. 51 of 1977 aligns with constitutional imperatives and modern legal practice. Professionals and interested parties are encouraged to review the proposals to assess their impact on the rights of the accused, the powers of the prosecution, and the administration of the courts.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: You must familiarise yourself with the proposed procedural changes to ensure continued technical competency in criminal litigation and court appearances.
  • For your business: Legal practices and compliance firms should review the discussion documents to anticipate changes in litigation workflows, case management timelines, and resource allocation.
  • For your clients: Clients involved in or affected by criminal proceedings should be advised on how potential amendments to sentencing and trial procedures may impact their legal strategy and long-term outcomes.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/criminal-law-salrc-calls-for-input-on-two-more-discussion-documents

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