Constitution of the Bahamas

The Constitution of the Bahamas came into force on 10 July 1973, the date of independence from the United Kingdom, establishing a parliamentary system of government rooted in the English common law tradition. It creates a hierarchical court structure topped by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as the final court of appeal, followed by the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court, Magistrates' Courts and Industrial Tribunals, with the Governor-General appointing judges on the recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, or of the Prime Minister after consulting the Leader of the Opposition for the most senior posts. Supreme Court justices hold office until age 65, extendable to 67, and Court of Appeal justices until 68, extendable to 70.