How long do I have to file an appeal after a Supreme Court judgment in Jamaica and what steps are required?

If you want to appeal a decision from the Supreme Court, you must move quickly. The Court of Appeal has strict rules and missing a deadline can seriously affect your case.

1. Deadline to File the Notice of Appeal
You must file a Notice of Appeal within 42 days after the judgment is entered. If this time passes, you will need to ask the Court of Appeal for permission to file late, and you must show a good reason for the delay and that the appeal has some chance of success.

Because 10 days have already passed since you asked this question, you likely have very little—if any—time left to make the request within the 21-day period. This makes your situation urgent, and you should act immediately.

2. Filing Record of Appeal
After you file the Notice of Appeal, you must file a Record of Appeal within 21 days of filing the Notice of Appeal. The Record of Appeal is the official bundle of documents the Court of Appeal uses to review your case.

3. Can You Use New Evidence in the Appeal?
In most cases, no. The Court of Appeal usually looks only at the evidence that was presented in the Supreme Court. New evidence is allowed only in rare situations, and only if the Court gives permission. You must show that:
- You could not have found the evidence in time for the original trial,
- It is important enough to possibly change the outcome, and
- It is believable.

4. Get Legal Advice Right Away
Appeals can be complicated, and your deadlines may already be close to running out. You should speak with an attorney immediately. A lawyer can:
- Tell you whether you have a real chance of winning the appeal, and
- Help you file the Notice of Appeal and meet the required deadlines.

Getting legal advice early is the best way to protect your rights.