The Magistrates' Court has jurisdiction to try any offence which carries a sentence of fewer than 14 years imprisonment.

[3] Saint Helena is a British Overseas Territory and follows English law in place prior to 2006, as well as legislation from the local legislature, known as Ordinances.

[4] Criminal cases are usually, although not exclusively, investigated by the Saint Helena Police Service and then prosecuted at the court by the Crown Prosecutor.

[5] Defendants are entitled to legal representation from a Lay Advocate[clarification needed][6] or from the island's Public Solicitor's Office[7] The building sits adjacent to the Castle in Jamestown, the capital of Saint Helena.

By virtue of its location in the South Atlantic Ocean, more than 2,000 kilometers (1,200 mi) from the nearest major landmass, the court is the most remote courthouse on earth.