Legal and Institutional Framework

LEGAL
The judicial system forms an integral part of the legal system of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Judges appointed by the Dutch King serve the District Court and the Joint Court of Appeals, which serves all six Dutch Caribbean islands and hears civil cases as well as criminal cases. The Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the leading legal document within the Kingdom, forms the basis for the possibility to appeal to the Supreme Court in the Netherlands. The Charter is an assurance for good governance and the preservation of human rights. Numerous offices of renowned law firms have been established in Curaçao and assure a high level of legal services for advice, setting up your business and in court proceedings. Curaçao has an independent and high-quality legal system which is based on the Dutch civil law system. Although the legal system of Curaçao is based on civil law, it also provides possibilities for common law structures like the Curaçao Trust.