Legal System of Libya

Libya is located in Africa. It is geographically situated in northern africa, bordering the mediterranean sea, between egypt, tunisia, and algeria. The country achieved independence on 24 december 1951 (from un trusteeship). The capital is Tripoli (Tarabulus).

Government Overview

Government Type: in transition Chief of State: President, Presidential Council, Mohammed al-MANFI (since 5 February 2021) Head of Government: GNU Interim Prime Minister Abd-al-Hamid DUBAYBAH (since 5 February 2021) Administrative Divisions: 22 governorates (muhafazah, singular - muhafazat); Al Butnan, Al Jabal al Akhdar, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Al Jafarah, Al Jufrah, Al Kufrah, Al Marj, Al Marqab, Al Wahat, An Nuqat al Khams, Az Zawiyah, Banghazi (Benghazi), Darnah, Ghat, Misratah, Murzuq, Nalut, Sabha, Surt, Tarabulus (Tripoli), Wadi al Hayat, Wadi ash Shati National Holiday: Liberation Day, 23 October (2011) Suffrage: 18 years of age, universal

The legal system of Libya is described as libya’s post-revolution system is in flux and driven by state and non-state entities International Law: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: previous 1951, 1977, 2011 (interim)

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): Libya’s judicial system consists of a supreme court, central high courts (in Tripoli, Benghazi, and Sabha), and a series of lower courts

Legislative Branch

The legislative structure consists of unicameral Note: note: 32 seats are reserved for women

Citizenship and Suffrage

Citizenship by Birth: no Citizenship by Descent: at least one parent or grandparent must be a citizen of Libya Suffrage: 18 years of age, universal

Historical Background

Berbers have inhabited central north Africa since ancient times, but Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Persians, Egyptians, Romans, and Vandals have all settled and ruled the region. In the 7th century, Islam spread through the area. In the mid-16th century, Ottoman rule began; the Italians supplanted the Ottoman Turks in the area around Tripoli in 1911 and held it until 1943, when they were defeated in World War II. Libya then came under UN administration and achieved independence in 1951.


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