Legal System of Bermuda

Bermuda is located in North America. It is geographically situated in north america, group of islands in the north atlantic ocean, east of south carolina (us). The country achieved independence on none (overseas territory of the uk). The capital is Hamilton.

Government Overview

Government Type: Overseas Territory of the UK with limited self-government; parliamentary democracy Chief of State: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Andrew MURDOCH (since 23 January 2025) Head of Government: Premier David BURT (since 19 July 2017) Cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the premier, approved by the governor Administrative Divisions: 9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George’s, Sandys, Smith’s, Southampton, Warwick National Holiday: Bermuda Day, 24 May Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Legal System

The legal system of Bermuda is described as english common law International Law: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: several previous (dating to 1684); latest entered into force 8 June 1968 (Bermuda Constitution Order 1968) Amendment Process: proposal procedure - NA; passage by an Order in Council in the UK

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and at least 2 justices); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice, 4 puisne judges, and 1 associate justice); the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) is the court of final appeal Judge Selection: Court of Appeal justice appointed by the governor; justice tenure by individual appointment; Supreme Court judges nominated by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission and appointed by the governor; judge tenure based on terms of appointment Subordinate Courts: commercial court (began in 2006); magistrates’ courts

Legislative Branch

The legislative structure consists of bicameral Lower Chamber: House of Assembly (36 (directly elected) seats) Electoral System (Lower Chamber): plurality/majority Upper Chamber: Senate

Citizenship and Suffrage

Citizenship by Birth: no Citizenship by Descent: at least one parent must be a citizen of the UK Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Historical Background

Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonists heading for Virginia. Self-governing since 1620, Bermuda is the oldest and most populous of the British Overseas Territories. Vacationing on the island to escape North American winters first developed in Victorian times. Tourism continues to be important for the island’s economy, although international business has overtaken it in recent years as Bermuda has developed into a highly successful offshore financial center.

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