Supreme Court of Judicature (Barbados)


The Supreme Court of Judicature of Barbados is the highest judicial body in the country of Barbados. It is made up of the High Court and the Court of Appeals.
Appeals from the Supreme Court can be further referred to the jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice.
WWW lawcourts.gov.bb

Functions

The High Court consists of Civil, Criminal, and Family branches.
The Court of Appeals handles appeals from the High Court and the magistrates' courts, and hears appeals in both the civil and criminal branches of law. It may consist of a single Justice of Appeal sitting in chambers, or as a full court of three Justices of Appeal.

Composition

Justices of Appeal:
Judges of the High Court:
  • The Hon. Mr. Justice William Chandler
  • The Hon. Madam Justice Margaret Reifer
  • The Hon. Mr. Justice Randall Worrell
  • The Hon. Madam Justice Jacqueline Cornelius
  • Dr. The Hon. Madam Justice Sonia Richards
  • Dr. The Hon. Justice Olson Alleyne
  • The Hon. Madam Justice Michelle Weekes
  • The Hon. Madam Justice Pamela Beckles

Appointment of justices

Justices are appointed by the Service Commissions for the Judicial and Legal Services.

Building

The Supreme Court is located in a five-storey reinforced concrete structure of which includes both civil and criminal courts, together with office accommodation and facilities for judges, juries, attorneys, prisoners, and the public, as well as the Registry and Records offices.

Caribbean Court of Justice

The Caribbean Court of Justice,, is the court of last resort for Barbados. It replaced the London-based Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in 2003, upon the passage of both the Caribbean Court of Justice Act and the Constitution Act by the Parliament of Barbados. These acts were brought into force by Proclamation on April 8, 2005; allowing the CCJ to supersede the Privy Council as the court of final Appellate Jurisdiction. The CCJ is also entrusted with the power to resolve disputes dealing with the Caribbean (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy.

Judicial Oath

I, _________________________, do swear that I will well and truly serve Barbados in the office of the Chief Justice/Justice of Appeal/Judge of the High Court and I will do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of Barbados without fear or favour, affection or ill will. So help me God.