Cayman Islands Country Profile - Legal Frameworks

There are a number of avenues from which assistance from the Cayman Islands can be requested through various different legislation and treaties. The Cayman Islands were among one of the first countries in the world to enact a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty which came into effect in 1986 between the United States and the Cayman Islands. As mentioned, the MLAT is administered by the Chief Justice.

For all other countries, requests for international assistance will be submitted through The Criminal Justice International Cooperation Law 2004 (CJICL). This law is governed by the Attorney General and all requests for assistance will be addressed to the Office of the Attorney General.

The Misuse of Drugs Law (MDL) and the Proceeds of Crime Law (POCL) both provide for the enforcement of external confiscation orders.

a. Domestic Legislation

1. Proceeds of Crime Law (PCCL) 2008;
2. Criminal Justice International Cooperation Law (CJICL) (2004 Revision);
3. Misuse of Drugs Law (MDL) 2000;
4. Evidence (Proceedings in other Jurisdictions) (Cayman Islands) Order;
5. The Terrorism Law 2003;
6. The Anti-Corruption Law 2008; 1
7. The Confidential Relationships (Preservation) Law (1995 Revision);
8. Extradition Law.