In a landmark development for Dominica’s judicial system, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) has unveiled plans to establish a dedicated family court on the island. The announcement was made by Acting Chief Justice Hon. Margaret Price Findlay during Monday’s ceremonial opening of the New Law Year in Dominica.
The initiative represents a decisive response to decades of advocacy from legal professionals, social workers, and magistrates who have emphasized the critical need for specialized handling of family matters. Dominica and Grenada have been identified as the primary beneficiaries of this judicial reform program.
Justice Price Findlay emphasized that family law constitutes a highly specialized field requiring particular expertise due to the sensitive nature of cases involving children, custody arrangements, domestic disputes, and welfare concerns. The comprehensive program will include enhanced judicial training in family law alongside strengthening the Court’s statistical unit to improve data collection methodologies. This data-driven approach will inform future policy decisions, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
The establishment of a family court addresses what commentators have described as a ‘long-overdue’ gap in Dominica’s justice infrastructure. Currently, family law disputes are processed through general magistrate courts that simultaneously handle criminal and civil matters, often resulting in systemic delays and insufficient attention to the complexities inherent in family cases.
This judicial advancement promises multiple benefits: specialized judges and magistrates trained explicitly in family law, a confidential and supportive environment for children and families navigating legal challenges, expedited resolution of custody and maintenance cases, and strengthened child protection systems alongside enhanced welfare services.
The ECSC’s initiative marks a significant turning point for judicial reform in the Eastern Caribbean, laying the groundwork for a more modern and responsive legal framework that prioritizes the unique needs of families accessing the justice system.