Political Rights and Civil Liberties Citizens can change their government democratically. Constitutional guarantees regarding the right to organize political parties, civic organizations, and labor unions are generally respected, as is the free exercise of religion. The judicial system is headed by a Supreme Court and a Court of Appeal, with the right of appeal under certain circumstances to the Privy Council in London. There are also local courts. On the outer islands, local commissioners have magisterial powers.
Violent crime is a growing concern, particularly in Nassau.
Nongovernmental organizations have documented the increase in recent years of violent crime and police brutality. Human rights groups have also criticized the subhuman conditions and overcrowding in the nation s prisons. The Fox Hill prison remains filled to more than twice its intended capacity. In 1996, Ingraham reinstated the death penalty for murder. In 1998, two of the 30 prisoners on death row were executed.