Criminal Procedure Code at Cayman Islands (BOT)
The Criminal Procedure Code in the Cayman Islands is primarily governed by the Criminal Procedure Code (2021 Revision). This legislation outlines the procedures for the inquiry, trial, and disposition of criminal offenses within the jurisdiction. (A Proposed Amendment To The Criminal Procedure Code Will Give The Court More Authority To Deal With Criminally Insane Persons. Powers of The Governor To Make Decisions Will Be Removed. - Blackbox Insights & News)
⚖️ Key Features of the Criminal Procedure Code
1. Jurisdiction and Court Structure
Summary Court: Handles a wide range of civil and criminal matters. All criminal cases commence here, with more serious cases being committed to the Grand Court for trial on indictment. The Summary Court is empowered to impose sentences of up to four years’ imprisonment, and in certain drug-related cases, this power extends to 20 years or, on second or subsequent convictions, 30 years. There are typically three summary court sittings daily, one of which is usually a traffic court focusing mainly on traffic matters. (Summary Court – Cayman Islands Judicial & Legal Website | An official website of the Cayman Islands Government)
Grand Court: Deals with more serious criminal offenses. The Grand Court has the authority to impose more severe sentences and conducts trials for offenses committed within its jurisdiction.
2. Amendments Addressing Mental Health in the Criminal Justice System
Recent amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code aim to address mental health challenges within the criminal justice system. Cabinet has approved changes that will provide the court with more authority to deal with individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity. Previously, the Governor had ultimate responsibility for deciding if and when such individuals could be released. The proposed amendments would remove this power from the Governor, granting the courts greater autonomy in these matters. Additionally, regulatory changes are planned to ensure that the courts have access to well-informed advisors when making decisions regarding the release of individuals deemed criminally insane. (Law amendments will address mental health challenges in the criminal justice system - Cayman Health and Wellness, A Proposed Amendment To The Criminal Procedure Code Will Give The Court More Authority To Deal With Criminally Insane Persons. Powers of The Governor To Make Decisions Will Be Removed. - Blackbox Insights & News)
📚 Accessing the Full Text
For a comprehensive understanding of the Criminal Procedure Code and its provisions, you can access the full text through the Cayman Islands Government's official legal portal:
Laws of the Cayman Islands
This resource provides the complete and up-to-date legislation, including all amendments.
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