The procedure for appointment to the Judiciary is set out at Sections 102 and 104 of the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago. The President appoints the Chief Justice after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. Justices of Appeal and Puisne Judges are appointed by the President on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission.
The Judicial and Legal Services Commission is established by the Constitution (Part III) and is charged with the task of appointing Justices of Appeal, High Court Judges, Masters of the High Court, Magistrates, and Registrars of the Supreme Court and the Administrative Secretary to the Chief Justice.
The Judicial and Legal Services Commission has published the matters that constitute its general policies and procedures relating to appointments to the office of Judge of the Supreme Court (Trinidad and Tobago Gazette [April 13, 2000] Volume 39 No. 68).
Qualifications for Appointment:-
High Court Judge - a candidate should have at least ten years’ standing as an Attorney at Law.
Court of Appeal Judge - High Court Judges who have sat on the Bench for at least three years and Attorneys at Law of at least fifteen years standing are eligible for appointment to the Court of Appeal.
Masters of the High Court must have a minimum of seven years as an Attorney at Law.
Magistrate - Candidates for the Magistracy must possess at least five years standing as an Attorney at Law.
