Supreme Court Barbados
The Supreme Court of Judicature of Barbados serves as the highest judicial authority in the country, comprising two main divisions:
High Court: Divided into Civil, Criminal, and Family branches, the High Court handles a wide range of legal matters.
Court of Appeal: This court reviews appeals from the High Court and Magistrates' Courts in both civil and criminal cases.
Composition and Appointment of Judges:
Justices of Appeal:
- The Hon. Chief Justice and President Sir Patterson Cheltenham
- The Hon. Madam Justice Sandra Mason
- The Hon. Mr. Justice Andrew Burgess
- The Hon. Madam Justice Kaye Goodridge
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
Judges are appointed by the Service Commissions for the Judicial and Legal Services, ensuring a structured and transparent selection process.
Location and Facilities:
The Supreme Court is housed in a five-story reinforced concrete structure located on Whitepark Road, St. Michael. The building includes civil and criminal courts, office accommodations, facilities for judges, juries, attorneys, prisoners, and the public, as well as the Registry and Records offices.
Appeals Process:
Decisions from the Supreme Court can be appealed to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which serves as the final court of appeal for Barbados. The CCJ, based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, replaced the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in 2005 and also resolves disputes related to the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).
Recent Developments:
In 2021, Barbados transitioned from a constitutional monarchy to a republic, removing Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. This significant change reflects the nation's ongoing efforts toward full sovereignty and decolonization. Discussions continue regarding the complete decolonization of the legal system, including the potential replacement of the Privy Council with the CCJ as the final court of appeal.
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