Judicial System of Vanuatu

Supreme court: Supreme Court

Ministry: Justice and Social Welfare

The judicial system comprises the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the magistrates’ courts, the island courts and Land Tribunal. The Supreme Court is presided over by the chief justice; it has jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases and is the constitutional court. The magistrates’ courts and island courts have limited jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases, and the Land Tribunal is concerned with land disputes.

Judges are appointed by the president of the republic, on the advice of the prime minister and leader of the opposition (in respect of the chief justice) and of the Judicial Service Commission (the judges).