Judiciary of the Isle of Man
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The lowest courts in the Isle of Man are the Summary Courts, Coroner of Inquests, Licensing Court, Land Court, etc. These courts are presided over by magistrates. There are two such stipendiary magistrates, the High Bailiff and the Deputy High Bailiff, along with lay Justices of the Peace.
The Judiciary of the Isle of Man are appointed by The Queen, Lord of Mann.
The High Court of Justice consists of three civil divisions – the Chancery Division, the Common Law Division and the Family Law Division, and the criminal side is dealt with by the Court of General Gaol Delivery, which deals with serious criminal matters and applications for orders of productions and restraint.
Civil matters are usually heard at first instance by a single Deemster sitting in the High Court. Criminal proceedings are heard at first instance before either the High Bailiff or the Deputy High Bailiff or a bench of lay Magistrates, in less serious cases. More serious cases are heard before a Deemster sitting with a Jury of seven in the Court of General Gaol Delivery.
Civil and criminal appeals are dealt with by the Staff of Government Division. Appeals are usually heard by a Deemster (the one not involved with the case previously in the High Court) and the Judge of Appeal.
Final appeal is to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in the United Kingdom.
