Afghanistan's judicial system is still under construction. The Justice Ministry is now working to set up a workable judicial system, but it seems to be taking some time. Afghanistan’s judicial branch deteriorated during the Soviet occupation, and justice was administered by strict Islamic law during the Taliban era (1996–2001). To replace the ad hoc system in place under the transitional government, the constitution of 2004 stipulated that the Supreme Court include nine justices appointed by the president, with approval of the Wolesa Jirga, for 10-year terms. At the next level are high and appeals courts under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. A National Security Court handles cases of terrorism and other threats to national security.