The Judiciary of Kiribati is the branch of the Government of Kiribati which interprets and applies the laws of the country. In addition to the Constitution, the Laws of Kiribati comprises customary law, which the courts must take into account when considering specified matters in criminal and civil proceedings.
Some 20 or so Magistrates Courts, composed of seven Magistrates and a clerk, deal with the less serious civil, criminal and land cases on a district basis.
The High Court hears the more serious civil and criminal cases referred to it by the Magistrates Courts and also hears appeals from the lower court. Appeals relating to land, divorce and inheritance are dealt with by the High Court's Land Division. Prior to 2014 there was only the one High Court judge but in that year a second (puisne) judge was appointed. The Chief Justice of the High Court is the Head of the Judiciary in Kiribati.
Appeals from the High Court are heard by the Court of Appeal. There are presently (2015) five Judges appointed to the Court of Appeal.
The president is responsible for all judicial appointments.