Attorney General's Chambers

Name:                         Attorney General’s Chambers

Director/Head:            Attorney General

Telephone:                   284-468-0242

Facsimile:                    284-494-6760

History:

The Attorney General’s Chambers which originated in the old Administration Building located on Main Street, serves as the legal advisor to the Government of the British Virgin Islands, its agencies and institutions.  It provides legal representation for the Crown in civil matters and has the responsibility of drafting legislation based on policy decisions taken by the Government.  We are presently located in the Central Administration Building on the third floor in the East Atrium

The Attorney General’s Chambers is structured into the following divisions: Administration; Law Reform Commissions; Legislative Drafting and International Law; and Civil Litigation.

The Law Reform Commission was formed by statute in 2000 and commenced operation in 2004.  It is responsible for studying and keeping under review, the laws of the British Virgin Islands to ensure their improvement, modernization and reform.

In 2007, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was formally established as a separate department of government. As a result, the Attorney General's Chambers no longer deals with criminal court matters.

Plans and Programmes:

The Attorney General’s Chambers plans to relocate in 2008.  The relocation will enable all staff to be housed under one roof as we currently have staff located on Fleming Street (Law Reform Commission), Conference Room #5 (Central Administration Complex) and an office of the Ministry of Communications and Works.   

The projection on relocation of the Chambers is to bring the Police Prosecution Unit (Prosecutors of minor crimes) under the aegis of the Director of Public Prosecutions Division (criminal division) to assume total operational control of all criminal prosecutions.

The relocation of the Chambers will provide for a Law Library which would be accessible to private lawyers and law students alike.  This would prove to be a necessary asset to the Country as the library will provide adequate research facilities, and will be attended to on a full time basis by a law librarian.

Reports: 

The Attorney General’s Chambers, consistent with its constitutional independence, is not required to prepare nor submit annual reports.

Budget and Staff:

Attorney Generals Chambers – Expenditure – Head 170