The Chief Justice, as Head of the Judiciary, is an ex officio member of the Court of Appeal, but only sits at the invitation of the President.
They also conduct preliminary inquiries in indictable matters to determine whether a prima facie case has been made against an accused person.
If a prima facie case is made out, the accused is committed to the Supreme Court to stand trial.
Stipendiary and Circuit Magistrates can also hear and determine Civil cases if the amount claimed does not exceed BS$5,000.00...[2] The Court of Appeal is made up of a President, the Chief Justice who, as head of the judiciary, is an ex officio member of the Court and sits at the invitation of the President, and not less than two and not more than four Justices of Appeal.
The Court of Appeal also has the jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals from matters in a magisterial court in respect of indictable offences triable summarily on the grounds that - (i) the court had no jurisdiction or exceeded its jurisdiction in the matter; (ii) the decision was unreasonable, could not be supported by the evidence or was erroneous in point of law; (iii) the decision of the magistrate or the sentence passed was based on a wrong principle; (iv) some material illegality occurred affecting the merits of the case; or (v) the sentence was too severe or lenient.
The Industrial Tribunal is made up of three members that have been appointed by the Governor-General acting on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission.
The Tribunal has the power to hear and determine trade disputes, register industrial agreements, hear and determine cases relating to the registration of such agreements, make orders or awards and award compensation on complaints brought and proved before the Tribunal.