Legal System of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis is located in Central America N Caribbean. It is geographically situated in caribbean, islands in the caribbean sea, about one-third of the way from puerto rico to trinidad and tobago. The country achieved independence on 19 september 1983 (from the uk). The capital is Basseterre.

Government Overview

Government Type: federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Chief of State: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor General Marcella LIBURD (since 1 February 2023) Head of Government: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance DREW (since 6 August 2022) Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by governor general in consultation with prime minister Administrative Divisions: 14 parishes; Christ Church Nichola Town, Saint Anne Sandy Point, Saint George Basseterre, Saint George Gingerland, Saint James Windward, Saint John Capesterre, Saint John Figtree, Saint Mary Cayon, Saint Paul Capesterre, Saint Paul Charlestown, Saint Peter Basseterre, Saint Thomas Lowland, Saint Thomas Middle Island, Trinity Palmetto Point National Holiday: Independence Day, 19 September (1983) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Legal System

The legal system of Saint Kitts and Nevis is described as english common law International Law: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: several previous (pre-independence); latest presented 22 June 1983, effective 23 June 1983 Amendment Process: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the total Assembly membership and assent of the governor general; amendments to constitutional provisions such as the sovereignty of the federation, fundamental rights and freedoms, the judiciary, and the Nevis Island Assembly also require approval in a referendum by at least two thirds of the votes cast in Saint Kitts and in Nevis

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; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice Judge Selection: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an independent body of judicial officials; 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: magistrates’ courts

Legislative Branch

The legislative structure consists of unicameral

Citizenship and Suffrage

Citizenship by Birth: yes Citizenship by Descent: yes Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Historical Background

Carib Indians occupied the islands of the West Indies for hundreds of years before the British and French began settlement in 1623. During the 17th century, Saint Kitts became the premier base for British and French expansion into the Caribbean. The French ceded the territory to the UK in 1713. At the turn of the 18th century, Saint Kitts was the richest British Crown Colony per capita in the Caribbean, a result of the sugar trade.

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