Chief Justice of Belize facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chief Justice of Belize |
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| Supreme Court of Belize Office of the Chief Justice |
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| Style | The Honourable Madam Chief Justice |
| Member of | Supreme Court of Belize |
| Seat | Supreme Court Building, Belize City, Belize, Central America |
| Nominator | Prime Minister |
| Appointer | Governor General |
| Term length | No set term, though retirement is mandatory at age 65. |
| Constituting instrument | Constitution of Belize |
| Inaugural holder | Robert Temble |
| Formation | 1843 |
The Chief Justice of Belize is a very important person in the country's legal system. They are the main leader of the Supreme Court of Belize. This court handles many important legal cases in Belize.
Since March 2020, Michelle Arana served as the acting Chief Justice. Then, in September 2022, Louise Blenman was officially appointed to this important role.
Contents
What Does a Chief Justice Do?
The Chief Justice is the head judge of the Supreme Court of Belize. This means they are in charge of how the court runs. They also hear and decide on many important legal cases. Their job is to make sure justice is served fairly for everyone.
How is the Chief Justice Chosen?
The way the Chief Justice is chosen is set out in Chapter 7 of the Constitution of Belize. The Governor-General officially appoints the Chief Justice. However, they do this based on the advice of the Prime Minister. This process ensures that the appointment is made carefully and with proper consideration.
A Look Back: Chief Justices Through History
Many different judges have served as the Chief Justice of Belize over the years. The first person to hold this position was Robert Temple in 1843. The role has continued through different periods of Belize's history. Here is a list of the people who have held this important position, as recorded by the Attorney General of Belize.
British Honduras Era (1862-1973)
Belize was known as British Honduras for a long time. During this period, several individuals served as Chief Justice:
- Richard J. Connor, 1862
- William Alexander Parker, 1875–1881
- Sir Henry Rawlins Pipon Schooles, 1881
- William Anthony Musgrave Sheriff, 1883–1886
- Sir William Meigh Goodman, 1886–1889
- Sir William John Anderson, 1890–1900
- Sir Walter Llewellyn Lewis, 1900–1906
- Frederic Mackenzie Maxwell, 1906–1911
- Sir Walter Sidney Shaw, 1912–1914
- Sir Robert Blair Roden, 1915–1921
- Herbert Kortright McDonnell Sisnett, 1922–1931
- Charles Wilton Wood Greenidge, 1932–1936
- Sir Arthur Kirwan Agar, 1936–1940
- Sir Carleton George Langley, 1940–1947
- Frederick Malcolm Boland, 1948–1949
- Sir Alfred Victor Crane, 1950–1954
- Erskine Rueul La Tourette Ward, 1955–1957
- Sir Clifford De Lisle Inniss, 1957–1972
Independent Belize Era (1973–Present)
After 1973, when Belize became more independent, new Chief Justices continued to lead the Supreme Court:
- Arthur Richard Franklin Dickson, 1973–1974
- Sir Denis Eustace Gilbert Malone, 1974–1979
- Albert L. Staine, CBE, 1979–1982
- George C. R. Moe, QC, 1982–1985
- George N. Brown, acting 1985–1986
- Taufik Cotran, CBE, 1986–1990
- Sir George N. Brown, 1990–1998
- George Singh, 1998
- Manuel Sosa, CBE, SC, 1998–1999
- John Troadio Gonzalez, acting 1999–2000
- Dr. Abdulai Osman Conteh, 2000–2010
- Samuel Awich, acting 2010–2011
- Kenneth Benjamin, 2011-2020
- Michelle Arana, acting 2020-2022
- Louise Blenman, 2022-Present
