Judicial System of Kiribati

Supreme court: High Court of Kiribati

Ministry: Office of the Attorney-General

The most serious civil and criminal cases come before the High Court and appeals from the High Court are heard by the Court of Appeal. Less serious civil, criminal and land cases are heard by magistrates in more than 20 magistrates’ courts. Normally cases come before one presiding magistrate and two others, and land cases before one presiding and four others.

Appeals from the lower courts are heard by the High Court. The Land Division of the High Court deals with appeals relating to land, divorce and inheritance.

The president is responsible for all judicial appointments.