Dominica · Overview
The legal system of Dominica
English common law in a parliamentary republic — Dominica became a republic at independence in 1978 rather than retaining the monarch, unlike most of its OECS neighbours. It shares the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and accepted the appellate jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice in 2015. Dominica is also notable for the constitutional protection of the Kalinago Territory and for a citizenship-by-investment programme that shapes much of its regulatory and due-diligence law.
Legal tradition
Dominica belongs to the common law tradition. English common law in a parliamentary republic — Dominica became a republic at independence in 1978 rather than retaining the monarch, unlike most of its OECS neighbours. It shares the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and accepted the appellate jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice in 2015. Dominica is also notable for the constitutional protection of the Kalinago Territory and for a citizenship-by-investment programme that shapes much of its regulatory and due-diligence law.
How power is divided
Unitary. The ten parishes are administrative; village and town councils exercise delegated functions, and the Kalinago Council administers the Kalinago Territory.
Where law comes from
- The Constitution
- Supreme law; establishes the republic.
- Acts of Parliament
- Unicameral House of Assembly with elected representatives and appointed senators.
- Received English common law and equity
- Continued in force at independence.
- Judicial precedent
- CCJ decisions bind; Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal decisions bind below it.
The legal profession
A fused profession of legal practitioners admitted by the High Court after a law degree and the Legal Education Certificate. The Dominica Bar Association represents practitioners, and discipline follows the Legal Profession Act framework shared across the OECS.
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