The Islands of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha comprise an internally self-governing Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom. Within the territory, there are three separate, but intricately-related, legal systems. The information provided here, and in the links, relates specifically to St. Helena.
St. Helena has its own legislature, empowered to make laws known as Ordinances. Many of the Ordinances enable an authority (for example, the Governor in Council) to make detailed ‘secondary legislation’ in the form of Rules, Regulations, or Orders. It is these Ordinances, and their associated secondary legislation, to which this page provides links.
All of these ‘local laws’ are made under the authority of St Helena’s Constitution, which is found in an Order in Council made under the Saint Helena Act, 1833. This is because ultimate legislative and executive authority for the British Overseas Territories resides in the British Crown. The Saint Helena Act can be found at The Saint Helena Act; the Order in Council is at The Order in Council.
As the Public Solicitors office we pride ourselves on offering justice to all, whether on St.Helena or Ascension. We have courthouses in both locations and can cover all your legal requirements.
‘Explain everything in detail.’ ‘Clarity.’ ‘Maintaining good communication.’ ‘Being patient and forthcoming.’ ‘From my experience – everything.’ ‘The entire way the case was handled from start to finish.’
‘The receptionist was very much responsive and management to put me through to the solicitor despite her busy schedule.’
‘You are swift at representing clients needs.’
‘Extremely helpful with intervening in our situation and provided results timely.’
The Public Solicitor Office
The Fort
Ladder Hill
St Helena Island
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday
8.30am – 4.00pm
Contact Us
Email: office@publicsolicitor.com
Telephone: +290 23008 / 23007
© 2026 Public Solicitor Office. All Rights Reserved.
