Other Resources
How are the laws of Trinidad and Tobago made?
Where can I find the laws of Trinidad and Tobago?
I've a complaint about my lawyer. What can I do?
I've a complaint about a Government or public body. Who do I report this to?
Q: How are the laws of Trinidad and Tobago made?
A: You can look up the meaning of several commonly used words in Parliament here and you can read about the process by which laws are made in Trinidad and Tobago here.
Q: Where can I find the laws of Trinidad and Tobago?
A: Many of T&T's laws are published online on the Digital Legislative Library. You can find a collection of many laws dating back from 1832 to present day - although not all of the older laws may be available online.
The Digital Legislative Library also publishes all the new Legal Notices but you can also find the new publications of Gazettes and Legal Notices here (up until 2022) and here (for 2023).
Other Acts, Bills, unofficial Hansard Reports and other subsidiary legislation and Parliamentary materials are accessible through Parliament's website.
Q: I've a complaint about my lawyer. What can I do?
A: The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago regulates legal practice in T&T and, in particular, the discipline of lawyers. The standards for discipline are set by the Code of Ethics, Legal Profession Act, Chap. 90:03. Although the Act does provide for other matters, importantly, the Code sets out a lawyer's duty to the court, to his client and to the public. The Code of Ethics may be found here.
If you have a complaint about your lawyer, address it with them or their head of chambers or the managing partner of their firm. If this doesn't work, or these options are not available (such as, if your lawyer practises on their own, or they are the head of chambers or the managing partner), the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago's Disciplinary Committee may be the next step.
You can read more about your rights and expectations, the complaints procedure and the Disciplinary Committee on the 'Public' section of the Law Association's website. Before filing any complaint, be sure that you get proper legal advice.
Q: I've a complaint about a Government or public body. Who do I report this to?
A: Writing to the head of the organisation or the line Minister may be an important part of the process but may not get you results quickly.
The Ombudsman has the constitutional responsibility "to investigate any decision and recommendation made including any advice to a Minister or any act done or omitted by any department of government or any authority………….being action taken in exercise of the administrative functions of that department or authority.”
More information is available on the website of the Office of the Ombudsman here.
If your complaint relates to T&TEC, WASA or PowerGen, your best bet will be the Regulated Industries Commission. Check out the linked website to read more about what may qualify for complaint.
On the other hand, if your complaint concerns telecommunication or broadcasting services, you should contact the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.
In some cases, injustice or maladministration by the Government, a statutory body, a municipal corporation or other public entity may also entitle you to sue. In this case you should consult with a lawyer immediately. Check out our page on choosing a lawyer here!
Last updated: 23 January 2022