Legal System of Liberia
Liberia is located in Africa. It is geographically situated in western africa, bordering the north atlantic ocean, between cote d’ivoire and sierra leone. The country achieved independence on 26 july 1847. The capital is Monrovia.
Government Overview
Government Type: presidential republic Chief of State: President Joseph BOAKAI (since 22 January 2024) Head of Government: President Joseph BOAKAI (since 22 January 2024) Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president, confirmed by the Senate Administrative Divisions: 15 counties; Bomi, Bong, Gbarpolu, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Lofa, Margibi, Maryland, Montserrado, Nimba, River Cess, River Gee, Sinoe National Holiday: Independence Day, 26 July (1847) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Legal System
The legal system of Liberia is described as mixed system of common law, based on Anglo-American law and customary law International Law: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Constitutional Framework
The constitution has the following history: previous 1847 (at independence); latest drafted 19 October 1983, revision adopted by referendum 3 July 1984, effective 6 January 1986 Amendment Process: proposed by agreement of at least two thirds of both National Assembly houses or by petition of at least 10,000 citizens; passage requires at least two-thirds majority approval of both houses and approval in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of registered voters
Judicial Branch
Highest Court(s): Supreme Court (consists of a chief justice and 4 associate justices) Judge Selection: chief justice and associate justices appointed by the president of Liberia with consent of the Senate; judges can serve until age 70 Subordinate Courts: judicial circuit courts; special courts, including criminal, civil, labor, traffic; magistrate and traditional or customary courts
Legislative Branch
The legislative structure consists of bicameral Lower Chamber: House of Representatives (73 (all directly elected) seats) Electoral System (Lower Chamber): plurality/majority Upper Chamber: The Liberian Senate
Citizenship and Suffrage
Citizenship by Birth: no Citizenship by Descent: at least one parent must be a citizen of Liberia Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Historical Background
With 28 ethnic groups and languages, Liberia is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. For hundreds of years, the Mali and Songhai Empires claimed most of Liberia. Beginning in the 15th century, European traders began establishing outposts along the Liberian coast. Unlike its neighbors, however, Liberia did not fall under European colonial rule.
This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Liberia based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.