Dominica is set to strengthen its justice system with the establishment of a long-awaited family court. The announcement was made by the Acting Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court – Margaret Price Findlay, during the ceremonial opening of the New Law Year.
She revealed that the Court will expand the judicial training in family law, with Dominica, Grenada has been chosen as first beneficiaries. Justice Price Findlay emphasised skills and a sensitive approach.
A Dedicated Family Court
For decades, family matters in Dominica have been handled in general magistrate courts that often-caused delays and added stress for vulnerable families. A dedicated family court will provide trained judicial officers who will focus on faster case resolution, stronger child protection and a more supportive environment.
The initiative marks a major step towards improving access to justice and protection for families across the island.
Furthermore, the program will ensure that judicial officers are equipped to handle these matters effectively, while also enhancing the statistical unit of the court to improve the data collection and inform policy decisions along with resource allocation and strategic planning.
Urgent Need
Since 1980s, social workers and magistrates highlighted the urgent need for a dedicated institution to manage family-related cases.
Earlier, in 2017, the government officials have publicly committed to pursue the establishment of a family court, but progress stalled. The magistrates have consistently argued that the absence of such a court has left vulnerable families without adequate support and forced sensitive cases to be heard in general magistrate courts ill-suited for the task.
The commentators and legal professionals have described the family court as ‘long overdue’. They stressed that its absence undermines the protection of children and the resolution of domestic disputes.
At present, the magistrate courts of Dominica are handling the family law disputes alongside the criminal and civil matters that often resulted in delays and insufficient attention to the complexities of family cases.
Family Court Duties
The new family court will be completely dedicated to some specific functions, such as:
- Providing specialised judges and magistrates, particularly trained in family law.
- Offering a confidential and supportive environment for children and families.
- Ensuring faster resolution of custody, maintenance and domestic violence cases.
- Strengthening child protection systems and welfare services.
This initiative by ECSC signals a turning point for justice system of Dominica. It prioritises family law training and institutional reform. The court is laying the groundwork for a modern and responsive judicial framework that better serves families.
Notably, this decision by ECSC will fulfil a long-standing demand of Dominica citizens, taking a step forward towards greater access to justice and protection for vulnerable groups. Justice Price Findlay, noted that this move reflects the commitment of the court to ensure that justice is delivered with sensitivity and expertise.