Which court has unlimited jurisdiction in respect of criminal and civil cases and also hears appeals from tribunals and criminal appeals from Magistrates' Courts?

• A. Court of First Instance
• B. Court of Appeal
• C. High Court
• D. Magistrates Court

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is the level of authority and the ability to review decisions within the court system. A court with unlimited jurisdiction can hear cases of any amount in civil matters and handle serious criminal cases, and it also serves as a forum to review decisions from smaller bodies like tribunals and Magistrates’ Courts.

This aligns with the Court of First Instance in the exam’s framework. It sits as the main trial court within the higher court structure and can take on civil matters without monetary limits, as well as try serious criminal cases. It also has the authority to review or hear certain appeals stemming from tribunals and from Magistrates’ Courts, placing it in the dual role of both trial and appellate consideration for those lower decisions. That combination—unlimited civil and criminal reach plus handling appeals from tribunals and Magistrates’ Court criminal appeals—fits the described function of the Court of First Instance in this context.