Legal System of Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Cocos (Keeling) Islands is located in Australia Oceania. It is geographically situated in southeastern asia, group of islands in the indian ocean, southwest of indonesia, about halfway between australia and sri lanka. The country achieved independence on none (territory of australia). The capital is West Island.
Government Overview
Government Type: non-self-governing overseas territory of Australia Chief of State: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia General Sam MOSTYN (since 1 July 2024) Head of Government: Administrator Farzian ZAINAL (since 11 May 2023) Cabinet: NA National Holiday: Australia Day (commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet of Australian settlers), 26 January (1788) Suffrage: 18 years of age
Legal System
The legal system of Cocos (Keeling) Islands is described as common law based on the Australian model
Constitutional Framework
The constitution has the following history: 23 November 1955 (Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act 1955)
Judicial Branch
Highest Court(s): under the terms of the Territorial Law Reform Act 1992, Western Australia provides court services as needed for the island including the Supreme Court and subordinate courts (District Court, Magistrate Court, Family Court, Children’s Court, and Coroners’ Court)
Legislative Branch
The legislative structure consists of unicameral
Citizenship and Suffrage
Suffrage: 18 years of age
Historical Background
British sea captain William KEELING discovered the Cocos (Keeling) Islands in 1609, and they were named for their coconut trees in 1622. Some maps began referring to them as the Keeling Islands in 1703. In 1825, Scottish trader John CLUNIES-ROSS was trying to get to Christmas Island but was blown off course and landed on Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Cocos (Keeling) Islands based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.