Jamaica · Legislation
Legislation and primary sources
Where to find the authoritative text of the law in Jamaica, and how to confirm it is still in force.
Sources of law, ranked
- The Constitution
- Supreme law; the Charter of Rights binds the state and, in some respects, private actors.
- Acts of Parliament
- Bicameral: House of Representatives and an appointed Senate.
- Received English common law and equity
- Continued in force by the Constitution, as developed by Jamaican courts.
- Judicial precedent
- Privy Council decisions bind; its decisions on other Commonwealth appeals are highly persuasive.
The legislative process
Bills are introduced in either House, though money bills must start in the House of Representatives. After three readings in each House the Governor-General assents. The Senate can delay but not ultimately block an ordinary bill. Entrenched constitutional provisions need two-thirds of both Houses, and specially entrenched provisions additionally need approval by referendum.
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