The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is an archipelago of approximately 700 Islands and Islets located just 50 miles off the coast of Florida and extending 750 miles southeastwards to the tip of Cuba. The 700 Islands account for 5,400 sq. miles in total land mass and cover approximately 100,000 sq. miles in the Atlantic Ocean. The Bahamas is one of the world’s premier offshore financial centres and recent initiatives by the Government are geared to assist The Bahamas in re-gaining its place as the world’s pre-eminent offshore financial centre. Apart from its convenient location, incomparable climate and established infrastructure, The Bahamas is a model of political, economic and social stability.

The Legal System of the Bahamas

The Bahamas is a former Colony of The United Kingdom and inherited its Common Law system which was one of the greatest exports of the British Empire. The Law of The Bahamas is based on English Common Law supplemented by legislation promulgated by the Parliament of The Bahamas. Recent legislation has modernized Company and Trust Laws. The Court System is also modeled after that of The United Kingdom. Magistrates’ Courts hear minor criminal and civil cases, and the Supreme Court hears the more serious criminal and major civil cases. Appeals are heard by the Court of Appeal and the Privy Council in England, the highest Court of Appeal for The Bahamas.