Legal System of Gibraltar

Gibraltar is located in Europe. It is geographically situated in southwestern europe, bordering the strait of gibraltar, which links the mediterranean sea and the north atlantic ocean, on the southern coast of spain. The country achieved independence on none (overseas territory of the uk). The capital is Gibraltar.

Government Overview

Government Type: parliamentary democracy (Parliament); self-governing overseas territory of the UK Chief of State: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Sir David STEEL (since 11 June 2020) Head of Government: Chief Minister Fabian PICARDO (since 9 December 2011) Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed from among the 17 elected members of Parliament by the governor, in consultation with the chief minister National Holiday: National Day, 10 September (1967) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; and British citizens with six months residence or more

Legal System

The legal system of Gibraltar is described as the laws of the UK apply

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: previous 1969; latest passed by referendum 30 November 2006, entered into effect 14 December 2006, entered into force 2 January 2007 Amendment Process: proposed by Parliament and requires prior consent of the British monarch (through the Secretary of State); passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote in Parliament followed by simple majority vote in a referendum; note – only sections 1 through 15 in Chapter 1 (Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms) can be amended by Parliament

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of at least 3 judges, including the court president); Supreme Court of Gibraltar (consists of the chief justice and 3 judges)  Judge Selection: Court of Appeal and Supreme Court judges appointed by the governor upon the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, a 7-member body of judges and appointees of the governor; tenure of the Court of Appeal president based on terms of appointment; Supreme Court chief justice and judges normally appointed until retirement at age 67, but tenure can be extended 3 years Subordinate Courts: Court of First Instance; Magistrates’ Court; specialized tribunals for issues relating to social security, taxes, and employment

Legislative Branch

The legislative structure consists of unicameral

Citizenship and Suffrage

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; and British citizens with six months residence or more

Historical Background

Spain reluctantly ceded the strategically important Gibraltar to Great Britain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht, and the British garrison at Gibraltar was formally declared a colony in 1830. In a referendum held in 1967, Gibraltarians voted overwhelmingly to remain a British dependency. After the UK granted Gibraltar autonomy in 1969, Spain closed the border and severed all communication links.

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