The Magistracy exercises original jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters.  The Magistracy (in its petty civil division) deals with civil matters involving “less than the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00)”.  It exercises summary jurisdiction in criminal matters and hears preliminary inquiries in indictable matters for the purpose of determining whether the prosecution has made out a prima facie case against the accused.   Appeals from the Magistracy and the High Court lie to the Court of Appeal.

The establishment of the Magistracy provides for

·          1  Chief Magistrate

·          1  Deputy Chief Magistrate

·          13 Senior Magistrates

·          29 Magistrates all of whom are attorneys at law admitted to practise before the Courts of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Country is divided into thirteen (13) Magisterial districts located in the following areas:-

·          Arima

·          Chaguanas

·          Couva

·          Mayaro

·          Point Fortin

·          Princes Town

·          Rio Claro

·          San Fernando

·          Sangre Grande

·          Siparia

·          Port of Spain

·          Tobago

·          Tunapuna

There are Magistrates’ Courts sitting daily in each of these districts.

The qualification for appointment as a Magistrate is a minimum of five (5) years standing as an attorney at law.