Judiciary

The Judiciary carries out the responsibilities of the courts.

The Supreme Court oversees:

1. Serious criminal matters tried by a judge and jury
2. Civil matters with disputed amounts exceeding $25,000 tried by a single judge
3. Business matters related to reinsurance, international business and the winding up of companies
4. Divorce matters
5. Appeals from the Magistrates’ Court
6. Appeals from the Court of Appeal
7. Probate of wills and appointing representatives to administer the estates of deceased persons who did not leave a will
8. Receiverships to administer assets of persons suffering from mental disability

The Court of Appeal entertains appeals from the Supreme Court.

The Magistrates Court oversees:

1. civil disputes involving $25,000 or less
2. preliminary inquiries in indictable cases
3. summary criminal trials
4. landlord & tenant disputes
5. care and protection of children and juvenile delinquency
6. emergency protective orders in cases involving domestic violence
7. drug use
8. traffic violations and
9. arrest and search warrants

The Supreme Court Registry is responsible for:

1. Processing all court documents
2. Maintaining the secure custody and safety of all court records
3. Making relevant information available for court users
4. Collecting and accounting for all fees and fines received by the Courts
5. Providing support to the Justices of Appeal, Supreme Court Judges and the Registrar
6. Listing cases for hearing
7. Recording all events which take place during the course of a case
8. Receiving and processing applications for the grant of Probate or the Administration of intestate estates
9. Managing the resources required for the effective functioning of the courts and
10. Processing applications for the distribution of family assets and the care and custody of children.

Judicial Complaints Protocol

In order to make a complaint in respect of the conduct of a Judge, Magistrate or Registrar, please review the Judicial Complaints Protocol (Revised 4 April 2025) document for guidance.

Judicial Complaints Protocol for Bermuda - Revised 4 April 2025