The Judiciary carries out the responsibilities of the courts.
The Supreme Court oversees:
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Serious criminal matters tried by a judge and jury
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Civil matters with disputed amounts exceeding $25,000 tried by a single judge
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Business matters related to reinsurance, international business and the winding up of companies
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Divorce matters
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Appeals from the Magistrates’ Court
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Appeals from the Court of Appeal
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Probate of wills and appointing representatives to administer the estates of deceased persons who did not leave a will
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Receiverships to administer assets of persons suffering from mental disability
The Court of Appeal entertains appeals from the Supreme Court.
The Magistrates Court oversees:
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civil disputes involving $25,000 or less
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preliminary inquiries in indictable cases
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summary criminal trials
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landlord & tenant disputes
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care and protection of children and juvenile delinquency
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emergency protective orders in cases involving domestic violence
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drug use
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traffic violations and
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arrest and search warrants
The Supreme Court Registry is responsible for:
- Processing all court documents
- Maintaining the secure custody and safety of all court records
- Making relevant information available for court users
- Collecting and accounting for all fees and fines received by the Courts
- Providing support to the Justices of Appeal, Supreme Court Judges and the Registrar
- Listing cases for hearing
- Recording all events which take place during the course of a case
- Receiving and processing applications for the grant of Probate or the Administration of intestate estates
- Managing the resources required for the effective functioning of the courts and
- Processing applications for the distribution of family assets and the care and custody of children.