The highest court in the land, South Africa’s Constitutional Court is a deeply symbolic and significant site. Though its doors were first opened by then President Nelson Mandela on 14 February 1995, it occupied temporary accommodation elsewhere for a decade, until the new court was inaugurated at Constitution Hill as an act of reclaiming a place previously affiliated with the violation of human rights.the judges’ seats are covered with hide from the hardy indigenous Nguni cows – each one is different, symbolising the different characteristics that each judge brings to the bench. Landmark cases Since its inception in 1995, the court has handed down judgements that have fundamentally changed the face of South Africa. Some of the court’s most high-profile cases include: Outlawing of the death penalty: S v Makwanyane (1995) The right to housing: Government of the RSA v Grootboom (2000) The common-law definition of marriage to permit same-sex couples the same status, entitlements and responsibilities accorded to heterosexual couples: Minister of Home Affairs and Another v Fourie and Another (Doctors for Life International and Others, amicus curiae); Lesbian and Gay Equality Project and Others v Minister of Home Affairs and Others (2005) Employment discrimination against an HIV-positive person: Hoffman v South African Airways (2000) Right to healthcare and access to HIV/Aids treatment: Minister of Health v Treatment Action Campaign (2002)