Visit UKSCJudicial Committee of the Privy Council to sit in Bermuda in April 2027
The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) has accepted an invitation from the Government of Bermuda to sit in the British Overseas Territory for a week of appeal hearings in 2027.
The visit will take place in April, with Justices hearing a range of appeals, as well as undertaking extra-judicial and educational work to highlight the role of the JCPC and its importance to Bermuda, and Britain’s other Overseas Territories.
The JCPC is the final court of appeal for the United Kingdom’s Overseas Territories, Crown Dependencies, and Military Sovereign Base Areas, as well as many Commonwealth countries.
The twelve Justices of the UK Supreme Court also sit as members of the JCPC. In recent years, senior judges from the JCPC’s jurisdictions have been invited to take part in appeal hearings conducted in London.
Speaking as he accepted the invitation from Bermuda, the Supreme Court’s President and Chairman of the JCPC Lord Reed said:
“I am delighted that the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council will be sitting in Bermuda. The JCPC exists to serve the people of the jurisdictions which use it as their final court of appeal, including the people of Bermuda. It will be valuable for us to spend time in Bermuda and to get to know the islands and their people. Although all our hearings are live streamed and available for everyone to see online, we hope that people in Bermuda will take the opportunity to watch our hearings in person, and that young people will take part in the educational activities that we will be offering. This is an opportunity for us to raise awareness of the JCPC’s role and to show our commitment to serving the people of the islands.”
The invitation to sit in Hamilton was extended by the Government of Bermuda. Speaking as the news of the visit was publicly announced, His Excellency the Governor Mr. Andrew Murdoch CMG, CVO said:
"The very welcome visit by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council to Bermuda provides an ideal opportunity to recognise the importance of a strong and independent judiciary within this jurisdiction. The visit will enhance public understanding of the rule of law, our legal system, and the essential role this final Court of Appeal plays to uphold Constitutional rights, as well as providing a stable, high-quality, and fair legal jurisdiction that investors and businesses can have full confidence."
Welcoming the news, the Premier of Bermuda, David Burt JP MP said:
“It is a privilege for Bermuda to welcome the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council for its first-ever sitting on our shores. The JCPC has served as our final court of appeal throughout our history, underpinning the constitutional and economic stability of our jurisdiction. Bermuda's standing as one of the world's most respected international financial centres is built on a stable democracy, a strong regulatory framework, and an independent judiciary, with the assurance that the most consequential legal matters affecting our island are determined by judges of the highest international reputation. This sitting affirms that constitutional relationship. The Government of Bermuda is honoured to host the Court, and we look forward to the engagement this visit will bring.”
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Bermuda, the Hon. Mr Justice Larry Mussenden added:
“It is a distinguished honour for Bermuda to welcome the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council for an in‑person sitting to hear Bermuda appeals. For many decades, the Privy Council has served as Bermuda’s final appellate court, contributing profoundly to the development of our jurisprudence and reinforcing the rule of law that underpins both our community and our international business environment. The forthcoming sitting, together with the Privy Council’s planned community engagement, will allow Bermudians and residents to gain a deeper appreciation of the Court’s work and its constitutional significance. This visit marks an important moment in Bermuda’s legal history and reflects the enduring strength of our relationship with the Privy Council.”
Reflecting on the opportunity for Bermudians to see the JCPC up close, the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Senator the Hon. Kim Wilkerson JP said:
“That the Privy Council will now sit on Bermudian soil brings justice closer to the people it serves and opens its workings to those who seldom see them, is a welcome development. My hope is that this visit leaves behind a lasting reminder that the institutions safeguarding our rights belong to all of us.”
The JCPC has been the final court of appeal for Bermuda since the body’s establishment in 1833. More information about the historic role and current jurisdiction of the JCPC may be found here.