Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court

Judicial officers of the ECSC ascribe to the ECSC Judicial Code of Ethics, as well as international best practices, as these are viewed as the hallmark, if not the safeguard of judicial integrity and accountability. Value 1 of the Bangalore principles of judicial conduct states:

“Judicial independence is a prerequisite to the rule of law and a fundamental guarantee of a fair trial. A judge shall therefore uphold and exemplify judicial independence in both its individual and institutional aspects.”

The men and women who make up our judiciary have made the commitment by the Oaths they have taken, to serve our “Member States and Territories by ensuring fair trials and upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability.  The court’s vision statement, which can be found on the court’s web site, sets the standard of achievement for every judicial officer.

Judicial officers are keenly aware that they must espouse the highest standards of conduct – both in and out of court – as this is essential to the building of public trust and confidence in the judiciary.  It is often a task for members of the public to fully appreciate and accept the concept of judicial independence in all its facets, unless judicial officers, by their conduct exemplify it.   Only when this is done can judges effectively discharge, and be seen to discharge, their constitutional responsibility of providing justice fairly, impartially and accountably.

Chief Justice’s Opening of the Law Year Address 2014-2015