All Applicants must download and complete this Application Form https://ccj.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Judge-Application-Form-1.docx Applicants must also complete the form to the right of this page. At the bottom of the latter Form to the right of this page, provision is made for uploading the application form that is to be downloaded.
- INTRODUCTION
- The purpose of this Guide is to assist persons applying for the position of Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). It is arranged in three parts:
- ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
All applicants should satisfy the following criteria.
- Be, for a period or periods amounting in the aggregate to not less than five years, a Judge of a court of unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in the territory of a Contracting Party or in some part of the Commonwealth, or in a State exercising civil law jurisprudence common to Contracting Parties, or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court and who, in the opinion of the Commission, has distinguished himself or herself in that office; or
- be or have been engaged in the practice or teaching of law for a period or periods amounting in the aggregate to not less than fifteen years in a Member State of the Caribbean Community or in a Contracting Party or in some part of the Commonwealth, or in a State exercising civil law jurisprudence common to Contracting Parties, has distinguished himself or herself in the legal profession;
- CRITERIA GOVERNING APPOINTMENT
Article IV.11 provides:
“In making appointments to the office of Judge, regard shall be had to the following criteria: high moral character, intellectual and analytical ability, sound judgment, integrity, and understanding of people and society.”
- THE APPOINTMENT PROCEDURE
General
4.1 The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission will interview candidates. The successful candidate will be appointed based on their selection by a majority of the members of the Commission.
Interviews
4.2. The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission may require an applicant to attend an interview in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago or virtually.
Consultation
4.3 The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission may, prior to appointment to the position, consult with associations representative of the legal profession and with other bodies and individuals that it considers appropriate in selecting a Judge of the Court in addition to the Referees identified.
Confidentiality
4.4. The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission will treat all applications and supporting information as confidential.
- MAKING AN APPLICATION
Obtaining the Application Form
5.1 The Application Form for the position of Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice can be downloaded here:
Delivery of the Application Form
5.2. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is submitted on or before Friday 2nd August 2024 by 4:00 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time the deadline fixed for the making of applications.
- In lieu of submitting Application Materials by uploading same using the method indicated at the bottom of the form to the right of this page, Applicants may download, complete, sign, scan and submit same electronically along with a covering letter and any other supporting documents to recruitment@rjlsc.org . Applications should be addressed to “The Secretary, Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission, 134 Henry Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.”
Acknowledgement of an Application
5.4 You will receive an acknowledgement via electronic mail from the Secretariat of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission. If you have not received an acknowledgement you should contact the Secretariat of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission at 1 (868) 623-8376.
Completing the Form
5.5 Your application should be typed or completed clearly in black ink, with any additional information attached. Please ensure that you sign and date the application form.
5.6 An unsigned Application Form will not be considered.
Your Address
5.7 Please indicate clearly the address (including your email address) to which you wish correspondence to be sent. Please immediately notify the Secretary of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission of any changes to the information supplied under this heading.
Names of Referees
5.8 The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission invites you to provide the names and professional addresses of not less than 3 persons of whom 2 shall be members of the judiciary and/or the legal profession but excluding sitting Judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice, whom you consider will be able to comment upon your qualities and experience. The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission may write to the persons named on your application form. The members of the judiciary or legal profession whom you name should be persons who are familiar with your work and character, and therefore able to comment having regard to the criteria mentioned in paragraph 3.
Medical Examination
5.9 Applicants should be aware that any offer of appointment will be made subject to a medical report acceptable to the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission.
Due Diligence
5.10 Applicants should be aware that any offer of appointment will be made subject to an acceptable Due Diligence Report to the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission. If you are aware of any issue which might adversely affect your appointment to this judicial office, this must be clearly identified on your application.
Contact Information
5.11 All communication and enquiries in relation to your application should be directed to the Secretary of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission at recruitment@rjlsc.org.