Legal System of Monaco
Monaco is located in Europe. It is geographically situated in western europe, bordering the mediterranean sea on the southern coast of france, near the border with italy. The country achieved independence on 1419 (beginning of permanent rule by the house of grimaldi). The capital is Monaco.
Government Overview
Government Type: constitutional monarchy Chief of State: Prince ALBERT II (since 6 April 2005) Head of Government: Minister of State Christophe MIRMAND (since 21 July 2025) Cabinet: Council of Government under the authority of the monarch Administrative Divisions: no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US government, but 4 quarters (quartiers, singular - quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo National Holiday: National Day (Saint Rainier’s Day), 19 November (1857) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Legal System
The legal system of Monaco is described as civil law system influenced by French legal tradition International Law: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Constitutional Framework
The constitution has the following history: previous 1911 (suspended 1959); latest adopted 17 December 1962 Amendment Process: proposed by joint agreement of the chief of state (the prince) and the National Council; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of National Council members
Judicial Branch
Highest Court(s): Supreme Court (consists of 5 permanent members and 2 substitutes) Judge Selection: Supreme Court members appointed by the monarch upon the proposals of the National Council, State Council, Crown Council, Court of Appeal, and Trial Court Subordinate Courts: Court of Appeal; Civil Court of First Instance
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 Monaco; in the case of a child born out of wedlock, the mother must be a citizen and father unknown Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Historical Background
The Genoese built a fortress on the site of present-day Monaco in 1215. The current ruling GRIMALDI family first seized control in 1297 but was not able to permanently secure its holding until 1419. Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality’s mild climate, coastal Mediterranean scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world-famous as a tourist and recreation center.
This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Monaco based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.