Legal System of Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is located in Europe. It is geographically situated in central europe, between austria and switzerland. The country achieved independence on 23 january 1719 (principality of liechtenstein established); 12 july 1806 (independence from the holy roman empire); 24 august 1866 (independence from the german confederation). The capital is Vaduz.

Government Overview

Government Type: constitutional monarchy Chief of State: Prince HANS-ADAM II (since 13 November 1989, assumed executive powers on 26 August 1984) Head of Government: Prime Minister Brigitte HAAS (since 10 April 2025) Cabinet: Cabinet elected by the Parliament, confirmed by the monarch Administrative Divisions: 11 communes (Gemeinden, singular - Gemeinde); Balzers, Eschen, Gamprin, Mauren, Planken, Ruggell, Schaan, Schellenberg, Triesen, Triesenberg, Vaduz National Holiday: National Day, 15 August (1940) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Legal System

The legal system of Liechtenstein is described as civil law system influenced by Swiss, Austrian, and German law International Law: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: previous 1862; latest adopted 5 October 1921 Amendment Process: proposed by Parliament, by the reigning prince (in the form of “Government” proposals), by petition of at least 1,500 qualified voters, or by at least four communes; passage requires unanimous approval of Parliament members in one sitting or three-quarters majority vote in two successive sittings; referendum required only if petitioned by at least 1,500 voters or by at least four communes; passage by referendum requires absolute majority of votes cast

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): Supreme Court or Supreme Court or Fürstlicher Oberster Gerichtshof (consists of 5 judges and 5 substitutes); Constitutional Court or Staatsgerichtshof (consists of 5 judges, and 5 alternates) Judge Selection: judges of both courts elected by the Landtag and appointed by the monarch; Supreme Court judges serve 4-year renewable terms; Constitutional Court judges appointed for renewable 5-year terms Subordinate Courts: Court of Appeal (second instance), Regional Court (first instance), Administrative Court, Tribunal Court, district courts

Legislative Branch

The legislative structure consists of unicameral

Citizenship and Suffrage

Citizenship by Birth: no Citizenship by Descent: the father must be a citizen of Liechtenstein; in the case of a child born out of wedlock, the mother must be a citizen Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Historical Background

The Principality of Liechtenstein was established within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719. Occupied by both French and Russian troops during the Napoleonic Wars, it became a sovereign state in 1806 and joined the German Confederation in 1815. Liechtenstein became fully independent in 1866 when the Confederation dissolved.

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