Office of Counsel to Parliament
Introduction
The office of Counsel to Parliament is responsible for providing legal services to the institution of Parliament. These services include provision of legal advice, managing meetings of the Parliamentary Legal Committee, litigation management and maintenance of an updated version of Statutes and Statutory Instruments.
The Directorate is headed by Counsel, assisted by Assistant Counsel. The office of Counsel to Parliament is located on the Fourth Floor Office 465 and on the Third Floor Office 312.
Vision
To adequately assist Parliament by providing efficient and professional legal services in the fulfilment of its Constitutional mandate and in pursuance of its oversight function.
Mission
To provide professional legal services to the institution of Parliament.
Guiding Principles
The department is guided by the principles enunciated in the Legal Practitioners Act [Chapter 27:07] which governs the legal profession in Zimbabwe and Principles for the Establishment and Operation of Offices of Legal Counsel in Parliaments in Africa (the “Nairobi Principles: 2015”).
The Institution’s principles of Quality Management System of SAAZ ISO 9001:15 and Legal Ethics guide the department in conjunction with abiding to the tenets of the Legal Practitioners Act [Chapter 27:07].
Legal Services Provided
Legal Advice: Counsel to Parliament provides legal advice to the Presiding Officers, Members of Parliament and Committees of Parliament and the Administration of Parliament on various issues affecting the operations of the institution.
Legislative Drafting: Members of Parliament may introduce proposed amendments to Bills during the legislative process. The office of Counsel assists Members in drafting and formatting amendments and private members’ Bills in proper legislative format.
Parliamentary Legal Committee Secretariat Services: Counsel to Parliament provides secretariat services to the Parliamentary Legal Committee established under section 152 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
- Scrutinising Bills and Statutory Instruments for constitutionality
- Examining statutory instruments for ultra-vires provisions
- Calling for correction of errors in Bills and Statutory Instruments
- Considering petitions including pensions, grants and gratuities
- Reviewing existing laws in consultation with the Law Development Commission
As secretary to the Committee, Counsel organizes meetings, compiles minutes and reports, and ensures the Committee is properly advised on constitutional, administrative and human rights law.
Additional Responsibilities
Updating of Legislation: The department updates legislation as amendments occur. Members and stakeholders may access updated Acts and Statutory Instruments from the office of Counsel.
Declaration of Assets by Members of Parliament: In terms of Standing Orders 50 and 51, the department facilitates and maintains the confidential register of Members’ financial interests in compliance with Parliamentary Standing Orders.
Departmental Hierarchy
- Counsel to Parliament – Chief Director Level
- Assistant Counsel to Parliament – Director Level
- Deputy Director (2)
- Law Officers (5)
- Executive Assistant to Counsel to Parliament
