The Law & You

Your creativity is protected… whether you realize it or not. 🎨⚖️

Today we celebrate World Book and Copyright Day: a reminder that every photo, design, song you bring to life has value.

In Dominica 🇩🇲 and across many jurisdictions:

✨ Copyright is automatic
✨ You own your original work
✨ And yes, “credit” alone does NOT make it legal to use someone else’s content

Too many creators are building, posting, and sharing… without understanding their rights (or how to protect them).

This thread breaks it down simply: what’s protected, what’s not, and what you NEED to know as a creator, business owner, or everyday user online.

Because your content isn’t just content; it’s intellectual property.

📌 Save this
📌 Share with a creative
📌 Start protecting what you create

‼️ This post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For advice regarding your specific legal situation, consult with a licensed attorney.

Term of the week: Affidavit 📄

An affidavit is more than just paperwork, it’s sworn testimony in writing. When you sign one, you’re declaring under oath that everything inside is true. Courts treat affidavits with the same seriousness as if you had spoken those words in the witness box. 🖋️

Affidavits are widely used in Dominica’s courts to present evidence, confirm facts, or support applications (like bail or injunctions). But beware: making a false statement in an affidavit is perjury which a crime punishable by law.👩🏽‍⚖️

Have you ever had to swear to an affidavit? Tell us in the comments below!

Don’t forget to like, comment, repost, share and save!

‼️ This post is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For advice regarding your specific legal situation, consult with a licensed attorney.

Words of wisdom from Justice Wit.

I said what???? 🫥🤥

And we are back! ⚖️ And what better way than to drop some Wednesday wisdom!

You’d be surprised how many times a verbal agreement turns into “I didn’t say that! I didn’t agree to that!”

Save yourself the headache and put your agreements in writing ✍🏻 📑

‼️ This post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For advice regarding your specific legal situation, consult with a licensed attorney.

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🇩🇲The Office of the President of the Commonwealth of Dominica🇩🇲

The term of office of the outgoing President, His Excellency Charles Savarin D.A.H came to an end on October 1, 2023 and the new President Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton will assume office today October 2, 2023 and will be sworn in this afternoon at the State House.

Here are five facts about the Office of the President:

🇩🇲 HEAD OF STATE
The President is the ceremonial head of state of the Commonwealth of Dominica.

🇩🇲 ELECTION
The President is elected by the House of Assembly.

🇩🇲 TERM LENGTH
The President serves a term of five (5) years but can hold office for no more than two terms.

🇩🇲 ROLE IN LAWMAKING
The power of Parliament to make laws is exercised by bills passed by the House and assented to by the President.

🇩🇲 FUNCTIONS
The President has various functions including the appointment of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, the appointment of the Director of Public Prosecution and the Chief of Police. In the exercise of his functions, the President acts in accordance with the advice of Cabinet, a Minister, and in his own deliberate judgment in accordance with the Constitution.

The Constitution and various enactments detail further functions and duties of the President that you may not know! Share your thoughts in the comments!

We wish Her Excellency all the best during her term of office.

‼️ This post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For advice regarding your specific legal situation, consult with a licensed attorney.

🗳️ELECTORAL REFORM🗳️

Following a thorough review of Dominica's electoral system and processes, Sir Dennis Byron presented his final report on Monday, June 12, 2023.

A sequence of public discussions regarding the examination of the electoral system in the Commonwealth of Dominica, began on Monday, August 14, 2023 at 7 p.m. at the State House Conference Center.

The second session, scheduled for today, August 15, 2023, at the same location and time, targeting the political party representatives and independent candidates.

Additional sessions are also planned for various groups, such as the public service, trade unions, business associations etc. Swipe to see the schedule of consultations.

Notable organizations like the OAS, the Commonwealth, CARICOM, and OECS will participate by invitation from Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit.

During the consultations, participants will examine both the Phase 1 report, encompassing a draft Regulation of Electors Bill 2023 and a draft Registration of Electors Bill 2023, and the Phase 2 report containing:
* The draft House of Assembly (Elections) Bill 2023
* The draft House of Assembly (Electors) Regulations 2023
* The draft House of Assembly Election Petition Rules 2023
* The draft Electoral Commission Bill 2023.

Scan the barcode to access the Bills.

Feedback on the Sir Dennis Byron Report can be submitted by the public through written submissions to [email protected].

💡Avoiding Common Legal Mistakes: Protect Your Rights! 💼

Legal matters can be tricky sometimes, but you don't have to fall into common pitfalls. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1️⃣ Seek legal advice when needed. Professionals can save you from costly errors!

2️⃣ Receipts !!!!! Preserve evidence for disputes. Copies, photos, and records strengthen your case.

3️⃣ Be mindful of what you share online. Keep sensitive information private.

Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to the law. Stay informed and consult professionals when necessary.

‼️ This post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For advice regarding your specific legal situation, consult with a licensed attorney.

📜New Week, New Term!📜

The Second Meeting of the First Session of the Eleventh Parliament is carded for tomorrow, April 25,2023.

5 bills are expected to be debated. These bills relate in general to:

◽️The Status of Children
◽️Maintenance of Children
◽️Maintenance of Spouses and Parents
◽️Domestic Violence
◽️Children Care and Protection

Don’t forget to tune in to the session tomorrow and stay tuned to this Page as well for a break down later this week.

Happy Friday !

😨Harassment😰

🗒️Under section 10A of the Small Charges Act, Chap 10:39, it is an offence to harass another person in a public space.

🗒️Harass means to trouble, threaten, worry, accost, jeer, insult, persistently beg or follow about any person in a public place.

🗒️ It is a defence to a charge of harassment for the person charged to prove that he had lawful authority or excuse to engage in any of the conduct mentioned above.

‼️ This post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For advice regarding your specific legal situation, consult with a licensed attorney.

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