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The High Court consists of the Chief Justice and the High Court Judges and Judicial Commissioners of the High Court. The High Court has original unlimited Jurisdiction to hear both civil and criminal cases as a court of first instance. In addition, the High Court also has revisionary jurisdiction over all Subordinate Courts in both civil and criminal matters.

Proceedings heard in the High Court are usually dealt with by a single Judge on the bench. Special circumstances apply to capital offences, where the case will be dealt with by two Judges on the bench.

In its appellate Jurisdiction, the High Court considers appeals in criminal and civil matters against the decisions of the Subordinate Courts.

Jurisdiction

Civil Jurisdiction of High Court

Section 16 (1):

The civil jurisdiction of the High Court shall consist of –

​​​(a) Original jurisdiction and authority of a like nature and extent to that held and exercised by the Chancery, Family and Queen’s Bench Division of the High Court in England; and

(b) Such other jurisdiction, whether original or appellate, as may be conferred upon it by this or any other written law.”

Criminal Jurisdiction of High Court

Section 17:

“The criminal jurisdiction of the High Court shall consist of such jurisdiction, whether original or appellate, as may be conferred upon it by this or any other written law.”

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