Contact Us
LoginFAQs
Printer-friendly version- How do I access court records?
-
Access to civil court records is governed by the Grand Court Rules (‘GCR’s') – see GCR Order 63, rule 3 (you can access the GCR’s on our website www.caymanjudicial-legalinfo.com.ky).
In most instances, the originating process (the document that starts a civil case) and the final judgment (the document that ends a civil case) may be inspected by members of the public. These documents are retained at the civil registry in our Register of Writs and other Originating Process and Register of Judgments. Members of the public are able to search these court registers upon paying the appropriate fee ($20.00) between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm at the accounts office and are able to obtain copies of documents found on those registers (there is a $.50/page copying fee). We hope to have an online search facility in the near future.
In liquidation proceedings the right to inspect court files is limited by the Companies Winding Up Rules (“CWR’s”). Depending upon the circumstances, special leave of the court may be required prior to inspection (and copying). Generally speaking, a creditor has the right to inspect the court file in liquidation proceedings while any other person must obtain leave; in both instances, the person seeking inspection must show that it is required for the purposes of the liquidation (you can access the CWR’s on our website as well). You may also wish to search through the Gazettes published by the Government of the Cayman Islands which are available online at www.gazettes.gov.ky; the Gazettes contain Liquidation Notices, among other information in relation to liquidation proceedings.
If you are named as a party in a civil court case, upon proof of your identity (passport or driver’s licence), you may obtain copies of the documents from the relevant court file between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm at the civil registry (there is a $.50/page copying fee). There will also be a search fee if you are unable to provide the relevant court file number.
In the Cayman Islands, individuals are responsible for searching the relevant court registers and reviewing court documents. The court registry does not conduct searches on behalf of individuals, nor do we answer questions regarding specific court files.
Access to criminal records is governed by the Criminal Procedure Code (‘the Code’). Section 193 of the Code states:
“If any person affected by any order made or judgment passed in any proceedings under this Code desires to have copy of such order or judgment, or of any deposition or other part of the record in any such proceedings, he shall, upon making application for such copy, be furnished therewith, provided he pays for the same according to such scale as may be prescribed unless, in any particular case, the court directs that it be furnished free of cost.”
Application must be made in writing addressed to the Deputy Clerk of the Court (Criminal) setting out a) the name of the proceedings (including the relevant case number), b) proof of your identity (a photocopy of your passport or driver’s licence), c) your contact details, and d) the reason you believe that you are a “person affected by any order made or judgment passed” in the proceedings. The application will be reviewed by a member of the judiciary. You will be notified of the decision whether or not to release copies of the record in a few days.
Access to our coroner’s records is governed by the Summary Jurisdiction Law (‘the Law’). Pursuant to section 26(2) of the Law, a magistrate may authorize inspection (or the making of a copy) of the record of evidence in any case before the court “for any sufficient reason”.
Application must be made in writing addressed to the Deputy Clerk of the Court (Criminal) setting out a) the name of the proceedings, b) proof of your identity (a photocopy of your passport or driver’s licence), c) your contact details, and d) the reason you believe that you are entitled to inspect (or take a copy) of the record of evidence. The application will be reviewed by a magistrate. You will be notified of the decision whether or not to release copies of the record in a few days.
Access to Court of Appeal records is governed by the Court of Appeal Rules. Rule 7(3) allows access to the Court of Appeal registers upon payment of the prescribed fee. The registers are maintained by the Registrar of the Court of Appeal at the civil registry. Members of the public are able to search these registers upon paying the appropriate fee ($20.00) between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.