Discusses some general issues concerning dispute settlement internationally and in regional economic groupings, including the WTO. Examines the role of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the judicial organ of CARICOM and the interplay between the orginal and appellate jurisdictions of the CCJ. Analyzes the institutional and jurisdictional distinctiveness of the CCJ and the features of the CCJ that make it sui generis. Addresses the role of precedent, stare decisis and the rule of Non liquet in the regime and their implications for the interface of common law and civil law. Includes an analysis of the attitude towards precedent at the international level. Discusses locus standi for natural and legal persons and, to a lesser extent, the Advisory Opinion of the head of jurisdiction.

10/4/04 JOYD