Dominica’s Magistrate’s Court will officially launch Night Court sessions on September 8, 2025, in an effort to address the mounting backlog of cases. The initiative, led by Chief Magistrate Candia Carette George, was announced during a Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs press conference.
The backlog remains a pressing challenge, as the court processes a large volume of matters ranging from civil claims under EC$10,000 to Inland Revenue disputes, social security issues, family and child maintenance cases, domestic and traffic offenses, liquor licenses, inquests, and juvenile hearings. Statistics show that between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the court disposed of 2,471 cases while receiving 2,358 new filings, reducing the total backlog by only 113 cases.
Night Court is expected to ease this pressure by extending hours from 1 pm to 9 pm, Monday through Thursday. The sessions will involve close collaboration with magistrates, clerks, the Dominica Bar Association, and the Dominica Police Force to ensure smooth operations. Scheduling and proper service of cases will be key priorities, with new magistrates to be engaged in the coming months.
Chief Magistrate George praised the dedication of clerks and court staff, noting their willingness to work extended hours. She stressed that while cases are being disposed of consistently, new matters are filed daily, often at a faster rate than the court can manage under current arrangements.
Police authorities have confirmed that all necessary security measures are being prepared to support the extended operations. The introduction of Night Court, combined with additional magistrates and new strategies, is expected to accelerate case resolution and provide more timely justice for citizens.
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