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Laws of Belize
Judiciary
The independent Judiciary is one of the three major branches of the Belizean Government. The President of the Court of Appeal is Hon. Elliott Mottley Q.C., the Chief Justice is Hon. Dr. Abdulai Conteh, and the Chief Magistrate is her Honor Margaret McKenzie Babb.
Appointment of Judges
- The President of the Court of Appeal is appointed by the Governor General acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.
- The Justices of the Court of Appeal are appointed by the Governor General acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, for such period as may be specified in the instrument of appointment.
- The Chief Justice is appointed by the Governor General acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.
- Puisne Judges are appointed by the Governor General acting in accordance with the advice of the judicial and legal services section of the Public Service Commission and with the concurrence of the Prime Minister given after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.
Jurisdiction of the Courts
- The Magistrates Court, hears criminal cases and civil matters not exceeding $5000.00
- The Family Court, hears cases involving domestic abuse, child abuse, child maintenance and other family related matters
- The Supreme Court, hears all indictable criminal offences and civil matters exceeding $5000.00
- The Court of Appeal, entertains appeals from the Supreme Court
- Under special circumstances, litigants can further appeal their cases to Her Majesty’s Privy Council in London. (Fig. 1.1)
Figure 1.1
Useful Resources
Overview of the Judiciary System in Belize
Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, Showing the Law as at 31st December, 2000.