Legal System of Kuwait

Kuwait is located in Middle East. It is geographically situated in middle east, bordering the persian gulf, between iraq and saudi arabia. The country achieved independence on 19 june 1961 (from the uk). The capital is Kuwait City.

Government Overview

Government Type: constitutional monarchy (emirate) Chief of State: Amir MISHAL al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since 16 December 2023) Head of Government: Prime Minister AHMAD ABDULLAH Al-Ahmad al Sabah (since 15 May 2024) Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by the amir Administrative Divisions: 6 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Ahmadi, Al ‘Asimah, Al Farwaniyah, Al Jahra’, Hawalli, Mubarak al Kabir National Holiday: National Day, 25 February (1950) Suffrage: 21 years of age and at least 20-year citizenship

Legal System

The legal system of Kuwait is described as mixed system consisting of English common law, French civil law, and Islamic sharia law International Law: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: approved and promulgated 11 November 1962; suspended 1976 to 1981 (4 articles); 1986 to 1991; May to July 1999 Amendment Process: proposed by the amir or supported by at least one third of the National Assembly; passage requires two-thirds consent of the Assembly membership and promulgation by the amir; constitutional articles on the initiation, approval, and promulgation of general legislation cannot be amended

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): Constitutional Court (consists of 5 judges); Supreme Court or Court of Cassation (organized into several circuits, each with 5 judges) Judge Selection: all Kuwaiti judges appointed by the Amir on recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council, a consultative body comprised of Kuwaiti judges and Ministry of Justice officials Subordinate Courts: High Court of Appeal; Court of First Instance; Summary Court

Legislative Branch

Note: note: the unicameral National Assembly was dissolved on 10 May 2024 by Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad AL-SABAH for a period of up to four years; the Emir and cabinet officials have assumed the role of the parliament

Citizenship and Suffrage

Citizenship by Birth: no Citizenship by Descent: at least one parent must be a citizen of Kuwait Suffrage: 21 years of age and at least 20-year citizenship

Historical Background

Kuwait has been ruled by the AL-SABAH dynasty since the 18th century. The threat of Ottoman invasion in 1899 prompted Amir Mubarak AL-SABAH to seek protection from Britain, ceding foreign and defense responsibility to Britain until 1961, when the country attained its independence. Iraq attacked and overran Kuwait in 1990. After several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led UN coalition began a ground assault in 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four days.

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