Legal System of Algeria

Algeria is located in Africa. It is geographically situated in northern africa, bordering the mediterranean sea, between morocco and tunisia. The country achieved independence on 5 july 1962 (from france). The capital is Algiers.

Government Overview

Government Type: presidential republic Chief of State: President Abdelmadjid TEBBOUNE (since 12 December 2019) Head of Government: Prime Minister Sifi GHRIEB (since 28 August 2025) Cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president Administrative Divisions: 58 provinces (wilayas, singular - wilaya); Adrar, Ain Defla, Ain Temouchent, Alger (Algiers), Annaba, Batna, Bechar, Bejaia, Beni Abbes, Biskra, Blida, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bouira, Boumerdes, Chlef, Constantine, Djanet, Djelfa, El Bayadh, El Meghaier, El Meniaa, El Oued, El Tarf, Ghardaia, Guelma, Illizi, In Guezzam, In Salah, Jijel, Khenchela, Laghouat, Mascara, Medea, Mila, Mostaganem, M’Sila, Naama, Oran, Ouargla, Ouled Djellal, Oum el Bouaghi, Relizane, Saida, Setif, Sidi Bel Abbes, Skikda, Souk Ahras, Tamanrasset, Tebessa, Tiaret, Timimoun, Tindouf, Tipaza, Tissemsilt, Tizi Ouzou, Tlemcen, Touggourt National Holiday: Independence Day, 5 July (1962); Revolution Day, 1 November (1954) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Legal System

The legal system of Algeria is described as mixed system of French civil law and Islamic law; judicial review of legislative acts in ad hoc Constitutional Council composed of various public officials including several Supreme Court justices International Law: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: several previous; latest approved by referendum 1 November 2020 Amendment Process: proposed by the president of the republic or through the president with the support of three fourths of the members of both houses of Parliament in joint session; passage requires approval by both houses, approval by referendum, and promulgation by the president; the president can forego a referendum if the Constitutional Council determines the proposed amendment does not conflict with basic constitutional principles; articles including the republican form of government, the integrity and unity of the country, and fundamental citizens’ liberties and rights cannot be amended

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): Supreme Court or Le Cour Suprême, (consists of 150 judges organized into 8 chambers: Civil, Commercial and Maritime, Criminal, House of Offenses and Contraventions, House of Petitions, Land, Personal Status, and Social; Constitutional Council (consists of 12 members including the court chairman and deputy chairman) Judge Selection: Supreme Court judges appointed by the High Council of Magistracy, an administrative body presided over by the president of the republic, and includes the republic vice-president and several members; judges appointed for life; Constitutional Council members - 4 appointed by the president of the republic, 2 each by the 2 houses of Parliament, 2 by the Supreme Court, and 2 by the Council of State; Council president and members appointed for single 6-year terms with half the membership renewed every 3 years Subordinate Courts: appellate or wilaya courts; first instance or daira tribunals

Legislative Branch

The legislative structure consists of bicameral Lower Chamber: National People’s Assembly (Al-Majlis Al-Chaabi Al-Watani) (407 (all directly elected) seats) Electoral System (Lower Chamber): proportional representation Upper Chamber: Council of the Nation (Majlis al-Oumma)

Citizenship and Suffrage

Citizenship by Birth: no Citizenship by Descent: the mother must be a citizen of Algeria Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Historical Background

Algeria has known many empires and dynasties, including the ancient Numidians (3rd century B.C.), Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, over a dozen different Arab and Amazigh dynasties, Spaniards, and Ottoman Turks. Under the Turks, the Barbary pirates operated from North Africa and preyed on shipping, from about 1500 until the French captured Algiers in 1830. The French southward conquest of Algeria proceeded throughout the 19th century and was marked by many atrocities.

This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Algeria based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.