The Caribbean Court of Justice: A New Judicial Experience

The Caribbean Court of Justice which was inaugurated in April 2005 comprises two jurisdictions, an original and appellate. The object of establishing the Court in its original jurisdiction was to interpret the provisions of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and adjudicate disputes which may arise among the member states of the Caribbean Community and/or their nationals, and the states in relation to development of a Single Market and Economy. The appellate jurisdiction of the Court was intended to provide a court of last resort replacing the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in England which was and in most instances still is, the final appellate court of many Caribbean states being former colonies of Great Britain. Details of the historical background of the judicial systems of the Caribbean states are discussed as well as the Agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice, the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, and their relationship with each other. In-depth discussion on both jurisdictions of the Court will form a major part of the presentation, and information on the composition of the Court and appointment procedure of the judges. Mention will also be made of some of the judgments handed down by the Court since its inauguration, particularly in its appellate jurisdiction