IN THE GRAND COURT OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION

Apart from when it sits as an appellate court from the lower courts or other tribunals (usually statutory, quasi-judicial), this court is a Superior Court of Record of First Instance, having unlimited jurisdiction in both criminal and civil matters. As such it exercises within the Cayman Islands similar jurisdiction as is vested in or capable of being exercised in England by Her Majesty's High Court of Justice and its divisional courts.

Judges of the Grand Court are appointed from amongst persons who must have the same qualifications as are required for appointment to the English High Court of Justice or Courts of equivalent jurisdiction throughout the Commonwealth of Nations.

The Cayman Islands' status as a leading international offshore banking and financial centre often generates actions before the Grand Court involving complex issues and substantial assets. The domestic business of the Court is also varied and often complex, including the work of the criminal, family, common law and civil jurisdictions. Grand Court judges either sit alone or with a jury of seven (12 for murder and money laundering trials). When hearing civil matters, judges usually sit alone. The Grand Court hears both civil and criminal appeals from the Summary Court.