The Magistrate's Court is the court of lowest jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands. The Magistrate's Court deals mainly with criminal matters with summary jurisdiction, minor civil claims, and certain family law matters. The Magistrate also has limited jurisdiction in relation to salvage and wreck.
For criminal matters which are triable either way (i.e. either summarily or on indictment) the accused is given the choice to face trial in the Magistrate's Court without a jury or to elect for a trial before a jury in the High Court. If the accused is tried in the Magistrate's Court then, if convicted, he or she would only be punishable to the extent of the limited sentencing powers of the Magistrate.
Appeals from the decision of the Magistrate are appealed directly to the Court of Appeal, and do not go the High Court by way of case stated.