The CIA World Factbook Every edition, 1990 to 2025 Central America and the Caribbean
Judicial branch The Bahamas, in 36 editions.
The entry for The Bahamas published Judicial branch in 36 editions of 36, from 1990 to 2025. The text changed in 14 editions. Each is shown as published. Judicial branch in every entry.
- editions changed the text
- 14
- the first edition with it
- 1990
- the latest edition with it
- 2025
Published as “Judicial branch” (1990 to 2025).
field in that editiontext changed from the edition beforenot in that editionthe edition shownChoose an edition on the strip beside the text, or step through them with the arrows. Mark changes compares it with the edition before: the marks are ours, words added and words removed.
2025 edition
Same as 2024- Supreme Court Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Acting Governor General Sir Henry TAYLOR (since 26 June 1988);
- Head of Government--Prime Minister Sir Lynden Oscar PINDLING (since 16 January 1967)
Supreme Court Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Acting Governor General Sir Henry TAYLOR (since 26 June 1988); Head of Government--Prime Minister Sir Lynden Oscar PINDLING (since 16 January 1967)
- Supreme Court Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Acting Governor General Sir Henry TAYLOR (since 26 June 1988);
- Head of Government--Prime Minister Sir Lynden Oscar PINDLING (since 16 January 1967) Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), Sir Lynden O. PINDLING;
- Free National Movement (FNM), Hubert Alexander INGRAHAM
Supreme Court Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Acting Governor General Sir Henry TAYLOR (since 26 June 1988); Head of Government--Prime Minister Sir Lynden Oscar PINDLING (since 16 January 1967) Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), Sir Lynden O. PINDLING; Free National Movement (FNM), Hubert Alexander INGRAHAM
The same text in 6 editions, 1992 to 1997.
Supreme Court
Rewritten: too little of the 1991 text remains to mark the changes.
Supreme Court
The same text in 1998 and 1999.
Entry published as “Bahamas, The”.
Supreme Court
Supreme Court
Entry published as “Bahamas, The”.
- Supreme Court;
- Court of Appeal;
- magistrate's courts
Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; magistrate's courts
The same text in 5 editions, 2001 to 2005.
Entry published as “Bahamas, The”.
- Supreme Court;
- Court of Appeal;
- magistrates courts
Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; magistrate's magistrates courts
The same text in 2006 and 2007.
Entry published as “Bahamas, The”.
- Privy Council (London);
- Courts of Appeal;
- Supreme (lower) Court;
- magistrates courts
Supreme Court; Court Privy Council (London); Courts of Appeal; Supreme (lower) Court; magistrates courts
The same text in 5 editions, 2008 to 2012.
Entry published as “Bahamas, The”.
- Privy Council in London;
- Courts of Appeal;
- Supreme (lower) Court;
- Magistrates' Courts
Privy Council (London); in London; Courts of Appeal; Supreme (lower) Court; magistrates courts Magistrates' Courts
The same text in 2013 and 2014.
Entry published as “Bahamas, The”.
- highest court(s):
The Bahamas Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices, sitting in panels of 3 justices)
- note - as of 2008, the Bahamas was not a party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as the highest appellate court for the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM);
- the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for the Bahamas
- judge selection and term of office:
- Court of Appeal justices appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister and in consultation with the Judicial and Legal Services Commission;
- justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 68-70
- subordinate courts:
- Supreme Court;
- Industrial Tribunal;
- Stipendiary and Magistrates Courts;
- Family Island Administrators
Rewritten: too little of the 2012 text remains to mark the changes.
highest court(s):
The Bahamas Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices, sitting in panels of 3 justices)
note - as of 2008, the Bahamas was not a party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as the highest appellate court for the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM); the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for the Bahamas
judge selection and term of office:
Court of Appeal justices appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister and in consultation with the Judicial and Legal Services Commission; justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 68-70
subordinate courts:
Supreme Court; Industrial Tribunal; Stipendiary and Magistrates Courts; Family Island Administrators
Entry published as “Bahamas, The”.
- highest resident court(s):
- The Bahamas Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices, organized in 3-member panels);
- Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 9 justices – as of 2015)
note: as of 2008, the Bahamas was not a party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as the highest appellate court for the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM); the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for The Bahamas
- judge selection and term of office:
- Court of Appeal president and Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition party;
- other Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body headed by the chief justice;
- Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 68, but can be extended until age 70;
- Supreme Court justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 but can be extended until age 67
- subordinate courts:
- Industrial Tribunal;
- Stipendiary and Magistrates' Courts;
- Family Island Administrators
highest resident court(s):sitting organized in panels 3-member panels); Supreme Court (consists of 3 justices) the chief justice and 9 justices – as of 2015)note - note: as of 2008, the Bahamas was not a party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as the highest appellate court for the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM); the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for the The Bahamas
judge selection and term of office:justices president and Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general governor general on the advice of the prime minister and in after consultation with the leader of the opposition party; other Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission; Commission, a 5-member body headed by the chief justice; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 68-70 68, but can be extended until age 70; Supreme Court justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 but can be extended until age 67
subordinate courts:
Supreme Court;Magistrates Magistrates' Courts; Family Island Administrators
Entry published as “Bahamas, The”.
- highest resident court(s):
- Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices, organized in 3-member panels);
- Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 9 justices – as of 2015)
note: as of 2008, the Bahamas was not a party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as the highest appellate court for the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM); the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for The Bahamas
- judge selection and term of office:
- Court of Appeal president and Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition party;
- other Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body headed by the chief justice;
- Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 68, but can be extended until age 70;
- Supreme Court justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65, but can be extended until age 67
- subordinate courts:
- Industrial Tribunal;
- Stipendiary and Magistrates' Courts;
- Family Island Administrators
highest resident court(s): The Bahamas Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices, organized in 3-member panels); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 9 justices – as of 2015)
note: as of 2008, the Bahamas was not a party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as the highest appellate court for the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM); the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for The Bahamas
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal president and Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition party; other Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body headed by the chief justice; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 68, but can be extended until age 70; Supreme Court justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 65, but can be extended until age 67
subordinate courts: Industrial Tribunal; Stipendiary and Magistrates' Courts; Family Island Administrators
Entry published as “Bahamas, The”.
- highest resident court(s):
- Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices, organized in 3-member panels);
- Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and a maximum of 11 and a minimum of 2 justices)
note: as of 2008, the Bahamas was not a party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as the highest appellate court for the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM); the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for The Bahamas
- judge selection and term of office:
- Court of Appeal president and Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition party;
- other Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body headed by the chief justice;
- Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 68 but can be extended until age 70;
- Supreme Court justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 but can be extended until age 67
- subordinate courts:
- Industrial Tribunal;
- Stipendiary and Magistrates' Courts;
- Family Island Administrators
highest resident court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices, organized in 3-member panels); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 9 justices – as a maximum of 2015) 11 and a minimum of 2 justices)
note: as of 2008, the Bahamas was not a party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as the highest appellate court for the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM); the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for The Bahamas
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal president and Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor general governor-general on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition party; other Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body headed by the chief justice; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 68, 68 but can be extended until age 70; Supreme Court justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65, 65 but can be extended until age 67
subordinate courts: Industrial Tribunal; Stipendiary and Magistrates' Courts; Family Island Administrators
Entry published as “Bahamas, The”.
- highest courts:
- Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices, organized in 3-member panels);
- Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and a maximum of 11 and a minimum of 2 justices)
- judge selection and term of office:
- Court of Appeal president and Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition party;
- other Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body headed by the chief justice;
- Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 68 but can be extended until age 70;
- Supreme Court justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 but can be extended until age 67
- subordinate courts:
- Industrial Tribunal;
- Stipendiary and Magistrates' Courts;
- Family Island Administrators
note: as of 2008, the Bahamas was not a party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as the highest appellate court for the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM); the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for The Bahamas
highest resident court(s): courts: Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices, organized in 3-member panels); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and a maximum of 11 and a minimum of 2 justices)note: as of 2008, the Bahamas was not a party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as the highest appellate court for the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM); the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for The Bahamasjudge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal president and Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition party; other Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body headed by the chief justice; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 68 but can be extended until age 70; Supreme Court justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 but can be extended until age 67
subordinate courts: Industrial Tribunal; Stipendiary and Magistrates' Courts; Family Island Administrators
note: as of 2008, the Bahamas was not a party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as the highest appellate court for the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM); the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for The Bahamas
The same text in 3 editions, 2019 to 2021.
Entry published as “Bahamas, The”.
- highest courts:
- Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices, organized in 3-member panels);
- Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and a maximum of 11 and a minimum of 2 justices)
- judge selection and term of office:
- Court of Appeal president and Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition party;
- other Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body headed by the chief justice;
- Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 68 but can be extended until age 70;
- Supreme Court justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 but can be extended until age 67
- subordinate courts:
- Industrial Tribunal;
- Stipendiary and Magistrates' Courts;
- Family Island Administrators
note: the Bahamas is a member of the 15-member Caribbean Community but is not party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as its highest appellate court; the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for The Bahamas
highest courts: Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices, organized in 3-member panels); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and a maximum of 11 and a minimum of 2 justices)
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal president and Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition party; other Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body headed by the chief justice; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 68 but can be extended until age 70; Supreme Court justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 but can be extended until age 67
subordinate courts: Industrial Tribunal; Stipendiary and Magistrates' Courts; Family Island Administrators
note: as of 2008, the Bahamas was not is a member of the 15-member Caribbean Community but is not party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as the its highest appellate court for the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM); court; the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for The Bahamas
The same text in 2022 and 2023.
Entry published as “Bahamas, The”.
- highest court(s):
- Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices, organized in 3-member panels);
- Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and a maximum of 11 and a minimum of 2 justices)
- judge selection and term of office:
- Court of Appeal president and Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition party;
- other Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body headed by the chief justice;
- Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 68 but can be extended until age 70;
- Supreme Court justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 but can be extended until age 67
- subordinate courts:
- Industrial Tribunal;
- Stipendiary and Magistrates' Courts;
- Family Island Administrators
note: The Bahamas is a member of the 15-member Caribbean Community but is not party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as its highest appellate court; the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for The Bahamas
highest courts: court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices, organized in 3-member panels); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and a maximum of 11 and a minimum of 2 justices)
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal president and Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition party; other Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body headed by the chief justice; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 68 but can be extended until age 70; Supreme Court justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 but can be extended until age 67
subordinate courts: Industrial Tribunal; Stipendiary and Magistrates' Courts; Family Island Administrators
note: the The Bahamas is a member of the 15-member Caribbean Community but is not party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as its highest appellate court; the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for The Bahamas
The same text in 2024 and 2025.
Entry published as “Bahamas, The”.
- highest court(s):
- Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 6 justices, organized in 3-member panels); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 19 justices)
- judge selection and term of office:
- Court of Appeal president and Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition party;
- other Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body headed by the chief justice;
- Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 68 but can be extended until age 70;
- Supreme Court justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 but can be extended until age 67
- subordinate courts:
- Industrial Tribunal;
- Magistrates' Courts;
- Family Island Administrators (can also serve as magistrates)
note: The Bahamas is a member of the 15-member Caribbean Community but is not party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as its highest appellate court; the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for The Bahamas
highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 6 justices, organized in 3-member panels); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and a maximum of 11 and a minimum of 2 19 justices)
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal president and Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition party; other Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body headed by the chief justice; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 68 but can be extended until age 70; Supreme Court justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 but can be extended until age 67
subordinate courts: Industrial Tribunal; Stipendiary and Magistrates' Courts; Family Island Administrators (can also serve as magistrates)
note: The Bahamas is a member of the 15-member Caribbean Community but is not party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as its highest appellate court; the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for The Bahamas
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Cite this page
Central Intelligence Agency. “The Bahamas: Judicial branch.” The World Factbook, 1990–2025 editions. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/bahamas/judicial-branch.