The Supreme Court Of Belize: Understanding Its Reach And Powers

The Supreme Court of Judicature of Belize is one of three types of courts in Belize, the lower ones being the Magistrate's Courts and the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court has unlimited original jurisdiction to hear and determine any civil or criminal proceedings under any law. It is a court of original jurisdiction in both civil and criminal cases as well as an appellate court. The Supreme Court consists of three judges: the Chief Justice and two other judges, known as Puisne Justices. The civil division of the Court also has jurisdiction to deal with matrimonial and family matters, including property rights, divorce proceedings, and adoptions.

The Supreme Court of Belize has unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases

The Supreme Court of Belize has unlimited original jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases. This means that the Court can hear and determine any civil or criminal proceedings under any law. The Court also functions as an appellate court, hearing and determining any appeals arising from decisions made in inferior courts.

The Supreme Court of Belize is one of three types of courts in Belize, the lower ones being the Magistrate's Courts and the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court is a court of original jurisdiction, and it is governed by the Supreme Court of Judicature Act (SCJA). The Court consists of three judges: the Chief Justice, who is appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister, and two other judges, known as Puisne Justices, who are appointed directly by the Prime Minister.

The Supreme Court holds four sessions per year in each of the three judicial districts of Belize: the Northern District, the Central District, and the Southern District. This division into districts ensures the participation of citizens from across the country as jurors, allowing accused persons to be truly tried by their peers, a fundamental principle of the jury trial system.

The Supreme Court's unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases empowers it to handle a diverse range of matters. For instance, the Court has presided over cases involving divorce and dissolution of marriage, property and inheritance rights, employment discrimination, international law, sexual harassment, and forced and early marriage.

The Court also hears appeals from lower courts

The Supreme Court of Judicature of Belize is one of three types of courts in Belize, the lower ones being the Magistrate's Courts and the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court has unlimited original jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases and also acts as an appellate court, hearing appeals from lower courts.

The Supreme Court of Belize has jurisdiction to hear civil and criminal matters, as well as appeals from the lower Courts. This means that the Court can hear and determine any civil or criminal proceedings under any law, and also has the power to hear and determine appeals arising from any decision of an inferior court. The Court sits in its Civil Division in Belize City and in three Districts in its criminal jurisdiction: the Northern District (including Corozal and Orange Walk), the Central District (including Belize City and Cayo), and the Southern District (including Stann Creek and Toledo).

The Supreme Court consists of three judges: the Chief Justice, appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister, and two other judges, known as Puisne Justices, appointed directly by the Prime Minister. The Court holds four sessions per year in each of the three districts, for a total of twelve sessions. The Court's criminal jurisdiction involves a Judge sitting with a jury of 12 members for capital offence cases and 9 members for non-capital offence cases.

The Supreme Court of Belize has heard a range of cases, including those related to divorce and dissolution of marriage, property and inheritance rights, employment discrimination, sexual harassment, forced and early marriage, and forced sterilization.

The Chief Justice is appointed by the Governor-General, advised by the Prime Minister

The Belizean judiciary is headed by the Chief Justice, who has overall responsibility for the administration of justice in Belize. The Chief Justice is appointed by the Governor-General, advised by the Prime Minister, and after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition. The Chief Justice is selected from a pool of candidates who have demonstrated an extensive legal background, with a minimum of five years of experience as an attorney-at-law. This qualification is essential to ensure that the appointee possesses a strong understanding of legal principles and their practical application.

The Chief Justice holds a vital position in the Supreme Court of Belize, which is one of three types of courts in the country. The Supreme Court is a court of original jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases, as well as an appellate court. It is comprised of three judges: the Chief Justice and two other judges known as Puisne Justices or Puisne Judges. The Supreme Court's jurisdiction extends to hearing and determining any civil or criminal proceedings under any law, without limitation. This means that the Supreme Court can preside over a wide range of cases, from complex criminal matters to civil disputes, ensuring justice is served and the rule of law is upheld.

The Supreme Court's criminal jurisdiction is particularly noteworthy. During criminal trials, a Judge sits alongside a jury, ensuring a fair and impartial trial. For capital offence cases, the jury consists of 12 members, while for non-capital offence cases, the jury is composed of 9 members. This distinction underscores the seriousness of capital offences and the need for a larger jury to deliberate on such critical matters.

The appointment of the Chief Justice is a collaborative process between the Governor-General and the Prime Minister. The Governor-General acts on the advice of the Prime Minister, who provides recommendations for the selection. This process ensures that the appointment of the Chief Justice is carefully considered and based on the expertise and qualifications of the candidates. The Prime Minister's role in advising the Governor-General carries significant weight and helps shape the leadership of the Belizean judiciary.

The current Chief Justice of Belize is Her Honour Madame Louise Esther Blenman. She presides over the Senior Courts of Belize and has sworn in new court-connected mediators, contributing to the efficient administration of justice in the country. The appointment of Chief Justice Blenman demonstrates the trust placed in her abilities by the Governor-General and the Prime Minister, who advised on her selection.

The Supreme Court has three judges, including the Chief Justice

The Supreme Court of Judicature of Belize is one of three types of courts in Belize, the lower ones being the Magistrate's Courts and the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court has unlimited original jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases and also acts as an appellate court. The Court is governed by the Supreme Court of Judicature Act (SCJA).

The Supreme Court holds four sessions per year in each of Belize's three judicial districts: the Northern District, the Central District, and the Southern District. This division into districts ensures the participation of citizens from across the country as jurors, allowing accused persons to be tried by their peers, a fundamental principle in the jury trial system.

The Supreme Court has the power to hear and determine any civil or criminal proceedings under any law. In criminal cases, a Judge sits with a jury of 12 members for capital offences and 9 members for non-capital offences. The Court also deals with matrimonial and family matters, including property rights, divorce proceedings, and adoptions.

In addition to its jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters, the Supreme Court of Belize has heard cases involving divorce, property and inheritance rights, employment discrimination, sexual harassment, forced and early marriage, and forced sterilisation.

The Court sits in three districts: Northern, Central, and Southern

The Supreme Court of Belize has unlimited original jurisdiction to hear and determine any civil or criminal proceedings under any law. The Court also hears and determines any appeals arising from any decision of an inferior court.

The Northern District comprises the Corozal and Orange Walk Districts, with the Supreme Court sitting at the Court House in Orange Walk Town. The Central District includes the Belize and Cayo Districts, with the Supreme Court sitting at the Court Houses in Belize City and Belmopan City. The Southern District is made up of the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts, and the Supreme Court sits at the Court Houses in Dangriga Town and Punta Gorda Town.

The Supreme Court holds four sessions per year in each of the three districts, for a total of twelve sessions annually. This ensures consistent access to justice for all citizens of Belize, regardless of their location within the country.

Frequently asked questions