Political and Legal System

Political system

A British Dependent territory Montserrat is governed by a Crown – appointed Governor. The Governor, Chief Minister and three other ministers plus the Attorney General and Financial Secretary constitute the Executive Council. Election is held every five years.

Legal system

The legal system is based on the British legal system, (English common law) with criminal cases being heard by the Assizes and civil cases being heard by the High Court. (The system is administered by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, the Court of Summary Jurisdiction and the Magistrates Court). In both criminal and civil cases, there is the right of appeal to the Court of Appeal with the ultimate right of appeal to the Privy Council in England.