Legal System of Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands is located in Central America N Caribbean. It is geographically situated in caribbean, three-island group (grand cayman, cayman brac, little cayman) in caribbean sea, 240 km south of cuba and 268 km northwest of jamaica. The country achieved independence on none (overseas territory of the uk). The capital is George Town (on Grand Cayman).
Government Overview
Government Type: parliamentary democracy; self-governing overseas territory of the UK Chief of State: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Jane OWEN (since 21 April 2023) Head of Government: Premier André Martin EBANKS (since 6 May 2025) Cabinet: Cabinet selected from the Parliament and appointed by the governor on the advice of the premier Administrative Divisions: 6 districts; Bodden Town, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, East End, George Town, North Side, West Bay National Holiday: Constitution Day, the first Monday in July (1959) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Legal System
The legal system of Cayman Islands is described as english common law and local statutes
Constitutional Framework
The constitution has the following history: several previous; latest approved 10 June 2009, entered into force 6 November 2009 (The Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009)
Judicial Branch
Highest Court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and at least 2 judges); Grand Court (consists of the court president and at least 2 judges) Judge Selection: Court of Appeal and Grand Court judges appointed by the governor on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an 8-member independent body consisting of governor appointees, Court of Appeal president, and attorneys; Court of Appeal judges’ tenure based on their individual instruments of appointment; Grand Court judges normally appointed until retirement at age 65 but can be extended until age 70 Subordinate Courts: Summary Court
Legislative Branch
The legislative structure consists of unicameral
Citizenship and Suffrage
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Historical Background
The British colonized the Cayman Islands during the 18th and 19th centuries, and Jamaica – also a British colony at the time – administered the islands after 1863. In 1959, the islands became a territory within the Federation of the West Indies. When the Federation dissolved in 1962, the Cayman Islands chose to remain a British dependency. The territory has transformed itself into a significant offshore financial center.
This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Cayman Islands based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.