Legal System of Brunei
Brunei is located in East N Southeast Asia. It is geographically situated in southeastern asia, along the northern coast of the island of borneo, bordering the south china sea and malaysia. The country achieved independence on 1 january 1984 (from the uk). The capital is Bandar Seri Begawan.
Government Overview
Government Type: absolute monarchy or sultanate Chief of State: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967) Head of Government: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967) Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed and presided over by the monarch Administrative Divisions: 4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait, Brunei dan Muara, Temburong, Tutong National Holiday: National Day, 23 February (1984) Suffrage: 18 years of age for village elections; universal
Legal System
The legal system of Brunei is described as mixed legal system based on English common law and Islamic law International Law: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICC
Constitutional Framework
The constitution has the following history: drafted 1954 to 1959, signed 29 September 1959 Amendment Process: proposed by the monarch; passage requires submission to the Privy Council for Legislative Council review and finalization takes place by proclamation; the monarch can accept or reject changes to the original proposal provided by the Legislative Council
Judicial Branch
Highest Court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the Court of Appeal and the High Court, each with a chief justice and 2 judges); Sharia Court (consists the Court of Appeals and the High Court) Judge Selection: Supreme Court judges appointed by the monarch to serve until age 65, and older if approved by the monarch; Sharia Court judges appointed by the monarch for life Subordinate Courts: Intermediate Court; Magistrates’ Courts; Juvenile Court; small claims courts; lower sharia courts
Legislative Branch
The legislative structure consists of unicameral
Citizenship and Suffrage
Citizenship by Birth: no Citizenship by Descent: the father must be a citizen of Brunei Suffrage: 18 years of age for village elections; universal
Historical Background
The Sultanate of Brunei’s influence peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries, when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy subsequently brought on a period of decline. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984.
This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Brunei based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.