Legal System of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha is located in Africa. It is geographically situated in islands in the south atlantic ocean, about midway between south america and africa; ascension island lies 1,300 km (800 mi) northwest of saint helena; tristan da cunha lies 4,300 km (2,700 mi) southwest of saint helena. The country achieved independence on none (overseas territory of the uk). The capital is Jamestown.
Government Overview
Government Type: parliamentary democracy Chief of State: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022) Head of Government: Governor Nigel PHILLIPS (since 13 August 2022) Cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, 3 ex-officio officers, and 5 elected members of the Legislative Council Administrative Divisions: 3 administrative areas; Ascension, Saint Helena, Tristan da Cunha National Holiday: Official birthday of King Charles III, celebrated in April or June as designated by the governor (1948) Suffrage: 18 years of age
Legal System
The legal system of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha is described as english common law and local statutes
Constitutional Framework
The constitution has the following history: several previous; latest effective 1 September 2009 (St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Constitution Order 2009)
Judicial Branch
Highest Court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 2 justices); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and judges) Judge Selection: Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor acting upon the instructions from a secretary of state acting on behalf of the British monarch; justices of both courts serve until retirement at age 70, but terms can be extended Subordinate Courts: Magistrates’ Court; Small Claims Court; Juvenile Court
Legislative Branch
Note: note: the Constitution Order provides for separate Island Councils for both Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Citizenship and Suffrage
Suffrage: 18 years of age
Historical Background
Saint Helena is a British Overseas Territory off the coast of Africa in the South Atlantic Ocean, and it consists of Saint Helena, Ascension Island, and the island group of Tristan da Cunha.
Saint Helena: The island was uninhabited when the Portuguese first discovered it in 1502, and the British garrisoned troops on Saint Helena during the 17th century.
This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.