Belize Judicial System

K. Belize Legal System

The legal system of Belize is based on English common law as it was a colony at one time and only fully seceded within the last quarter century.

The Constitution calls for the creation of the Supreme Court in Chapter 7 Section 94 as well as the Appeals Court, plus there is a Privy Council.

• • Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Replaces The UK Privy Council as of June 1, 2010
  • The Supreme Court
  • The Court of Appeal
  • The Privy Council (Resides in United Kingdom constituted of members of the House of Lords)

Under the Constitution of Belize, the Chief Justice is appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, given after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.

Functions

In addition to the filing and processing of court documents, the Supreme Court Registry is also responsible for all matters relating to estates, companies, and trademarks. All land matters are handled by the Land’s Registry based in Belmopan while the Vital Statistics Unit in Belize City handles all matters regarding births, deaths, and marriages.