Grenada · Overview
The legal system of Grenada
English common law in a Westminster constitutional monarchy, with the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court providing the superior courts. Grenada's constitutional history is unusual: the 1973 Constitution was suspended after the 1979 revolution and formally restored in 1991. Referendums in 2016 and 2018 both rejected a package of reforms including accession to the appellate jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice, so final appeal stays with the Privy Council.
Legal tradition
Grenada belongs to the common law tradition. English common law in a Westminster constitutional monarchy, with the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court providing the superior courts. Grenada's constitutional history is unusual: the 1973 Constitution was suspended after the 1979 revolution and formally restored in 1991. Referendums in 2016 and 2018 both rejected a package of reforms including accession to the appellate jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice, so final appeal stays with the Privy Council.
How power is divided
Unitary. The state comprises Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique; Carriacou and Petite Martinique have a Ministry and local administration but no separate legislature.
Where law comes from
- The Constitution
- Supreme law; restored to full effect by 1991.
- Acts of Parliament
- House of Representatives and Senate.
- Received English common law and equity
- Continued in force.
- Judicial precedent
- Privy Council decisions bind all Grenadian courts.
The legal profession
A fused profession of legal practitioners admitted by the High Court under the Legal Profession Act, after a law degree and the Legal Education Certificate. The Grenada Bar Association represents practitioners.
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