THE COUNCIL OF THE PAN AFRICAN LAWYERS' UNION (PALU )

There shall be a Council for the Union, which shall comprise the following, namely:

1. - All members of the Executive Committee;
2. - One representative each of all the Country Bar Associations or Law Societies which are members of the Union, who shall be the President for the time being of such Country Bar Association or Law Society or a member delegated by the President;
3. - One representative each of all Regional Organizations of Bar Associations or Law Societies in Africa, to be nominated by such Regional Organization; and the immediate past President of the Union who shall have all the rights as a full Council member and all past Presidents of the Union who shall not be counted in the constitution of the quorum. In the case of a country with several Bar Associations or Law Societies, membership of the Council shall only be for one person to represent all the Bar Associations and Law Societies.

Subject to the authority and direction of the General Conference, and subject to whatever powers and responsibilities as may be delegated to the Committees of the Union by the General Conference, the Council shall have and execute the following powers and functions, namely:

   a. To give guidance on policy, the affairs, property and finances of the Union, including the appointment of suitable individuals, companies or banks for any of the aforesaid purposes;

    b. To establish and maintain contacts with the African Union and member countries thereof, particularly on all matters touching upon the Rule of Law and the Legal Profession in Africa;

    c. To exercise the powers of the Union with respect to carrying out whatever role or function may be requested of it by the African Union or any member country thereof;

    d. To express the views of the Union on any matter of interest to the Legal Profession and the administration of justice in Africa;

    e. To cause the accounts of the Union to be audited annually by a competent firm of auditors which shall be appointed by the General Conference of the Union;

    f. To make all necessary arrangements for the General Conference of the Union or for any other General Meeting of the Union;

    g. Generally to exercise all the powers vested in the Union, except those powers reserved for the General Conference, so as to promote and carry out the aims and objects of the Union as contained in this Constitution.

The Council may co-opt as members any deserving members of the Union for a term not exceeding three (3) years, provided that there shall not be more than five (5) co-opted members at any time.