Finding the Law in Bermuda

By Karen Skiffington

Karen Skiffington has been a Law Librarian since 1986 in Bermuda. In addition to her career at Mello Jones & Martin, she founded Bermuda Law Reports Ltd (www.bdalawreports.net) in 2002.

Published May 2005

Introduction

Bermuda, the oldest self-governing colony of the United Kingdom is one of the last few remaining Dependent Territories. With a population of about 65,000, this 21 square mile group of islands in the Atlantic faces many challenges unique to a tiny jurisdiction. 

Bermuda has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, coupled with an excellent reputation for business, particularly in the insurance and reinsurance arena, which is second only to London.  

Bermuda's legislative system is drawn largely from that of England. There are two main political parties, the Progressive Labour Party, currently forming the Government, and the United Bermuda Party, which forms the Opposition. A third party, the National Liberal Party, has not fared well in recent elections. The legislative bodies are the House of Assembly, with 36 MPs representing the populace, and the Senate, which has 11 members appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Party in power and by the Opposition.

Bermuda's legislation is consolidated in the Revised Laws of Bermuda, available both in hard copy up to 1998 and online. The consolidations are not up to date after 1998, but the amendment acts and statutory instruments are posted. 

The court system also is similar to that of England with a Magistrates Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council is the court of last resort in the appeals process. 

There are over 300 lawyers, properly known as Barristers and Attorneys, in the community. The profession is fused, similar to Canada. Lawyers may qualify in any Commonwealth country and be called to the Bar in Bermuda, or they may study abroad and complete their studies in Bermuda. The Bermuda Bar Association is the organisational body. Please, find more information in Finding the Law in Bermuda, a PowerPoint presentation.