2010 Annual Report - Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands

JURISDICTION OF THE
SUPREME COURT OF THE
VIRGIN ISLANDS
The Virgin Islands Supreme Court is the equivalent of a state
supreme court. As the highest court for the Virgin Islands, the
Supreme Court is authorized to review all final orders, judgments
and specified interlocutory orders of the Superior Court of
the Virgin Islands pursuant to 4 V.I. Code Ann. § 32(a). The
Supreme Court also has all inherent powers, including the
power to issue all writs necessary to the complete exercise of its
duties and jurisdiction under the laws of the Virgin Islands. The
Supreme Court’s authority also includes jurisdiction of original
proceedings for mandamus, prohibition, injunction, and similar
remedies to protect its appellate jurisdiction. Cases before the
Court are determined by three justices and a decision by two
justices is required for a decision of the Court.
The Supreme Court also has exclusive jurisdiction for the
regulation of the legal profession and of admissions to the bar.
The Court oversees the established, organized and integrated
Virgin Islands Bar Association and promulgates and approves the
rules regarding attorney discipline. The Court also approves and
adopts the rules regarding attorney conduct and rules governing
the admission to the Virgin Islands Bar and the discipline of
attorneys. In general, the Court regulates all facets of the practice
of law in the Virgin Islands.
APPELLATE JURISDICTION
SUPREME COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
Three Justices
The Supreme Court is the “court of last resort” in the United States Virgin Islands. It is answerable only to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals
and the United States Supreme Court, by writ of certiorari. The Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands hears appeals from any cause decided by
the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands and has oversight authority over the Judicial Branch and all courts of the Virgin Islands, as well as
original jurisdiction over proceedings necessary to protect its appellate jurisdiction and oversight.
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
Nine Judges
The Superior Court is the Virgin Islands’ trial court of general jurisdiction. It hears the following cases:
• Civil matters
• Criminal Cases (both felony and misdemeanor)
• Domestic relations cases
• Juvenile matters
• Probate cases
• Appeals and review from Magistrate decisions in small claims, traffic, etc. and decisions of administrative agencies
Four Magistrates
Magistrate Cases
5