This case highlights Trinidad and Tobago’s imposition of corporal punishment where, under the Corporal Punishment Act of 1953, a court may order any male offender above the age of sixteen years to be struck or flogged with an object called a “cat-o-nine tails,” when convicted of certain crimes. The victim in this case, Mr. Winston Caesar, was convicted before the High Court of Trinidad and Tobago of attempted rape and as part of his sentence, Mr. Caesar was whipped fifteen times with a “cat-o-nine tails.” As a result, the Court found that the State violated the American Convention on Human Rights. This case is unique because the State denounced the American Convention while Mr. Caesar was in custody and did not participate in the process before the Inter-American Commission or Court.
Case Summary: Caesar v. Trinidad and Tobago, Case Summary