District Courts

Civil Jurisdiction

They have jurisdiction to try any civil action where the amount claimed does not exceed $250,000.

The Court also has jurisdiction to try disputes involving amounts exceeding $250,000 where the plaintiff limits his/her claim to $250,000, or the claim is based on contract or tort and the parties agree to a District Court trial.

Criminal Jurisdiction

They can try all offences for which the maximum term of imprisonment provided by law does not exceed 10 years or offences punishable by fines only.

The Court may also try offences punishable by death or life imprisonment if the Public Prosecutor applies to the Court to try such offence and the accused consents to the application.

Every District Court may pass any of the following sentences:

1. Imprisonment not exceeding 7 years;
2. Fine not exceeding $10,000;
3. Caning of up to 12 strokes;
4. Any combination of the above sentences;
5. Reformative training