Legal System of Anguilla

Anguilla is located in Central America N Caribbean. It is geographically situated in caribbean, islands between the caribbean sea and north atlantic ocean, east of puerto rico. The country achieved independence on none (overseas territory of the uk). The capital is The Valley.

Government Overview

Government Type: parliamentary democracy (House of Assembly); self-governing overseas territory of the UK Chief of State: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Julia CROUCH (since 11 September 2023) Head of Government: Premier Cora RICHARDSON-HODGE (since 27 February 2025) Cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from among elected members of the House of Assembly National Holiday: Anguilla Day, 30 May (1967) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Legal System

The legal system of Anguilla is described as common law based on the English model

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: several previous; latest 1 April 1982

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; the ECSC is headquartered on St. Lucia  and consists of the Court of Appeal – headed by the chief justice and 4 judges – and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal travels to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts Judge Selection: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62 Subordinate Courts: Magistrate’s Court; Juvenile Court

Legislative Branch

The legislative structure consists of unicameral

Citizenship and Suffrage

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Historical Background

English settlers from Saint Kitts first colonized Anguilla in 1650. Great Britain administered the island until the early 19th century, when – against the wishes of the inhabitants – Anguilla was incorporated into a single British dependency along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this arrangement was formally recognized in 1980, when Anguilla became a separate British dependency.

This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Anguilla based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.