This work deals with international principles regarding the use of language in the administration of justice, and looks at the way in which multilingual countries such as Belgium and Switzerland approach this complex problem. The title then compares language practice in the judiciary and security services in South Africa and some countries of the Southern African Development Community against the background of evolving language policy in the region. This title discusses the use of official languages in a specific domain of government from the point of view that a language cannot be regarded as official simplu because a constitution prescribes it. Important conclusions are drawn regarding the role of the multilingual state.