Legal System of Nauru

Nauru is located in Australia Oceania. It is geographically situated in oceania, island in the south pacific ocean, south of the marshall islands. The country achieved independence on 31 january 1968 (from the australia-, nz-, and uk-administered un trusteeship). The capital is no official capital; government offices in the Yaren District.

Government Overview

Government Type: parliamentary republic Chief of State: President David ADEANG (since 30 October 2023) Head of Government: President David ADEANG (since 30 October 2023) Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among members of Parliament Administrative Divisions: 14 districts; Aiwo, Anabar, Anetan, Anibare, Baitsi, Boe, Buada, Denigomodu, Ewa, Ijuw, Meneng, Nibok, Uaboe, Yaren National Holiday: Independence Day, 31 January (1968) Suffrage: 20 years of age; universal and compulsory

Legal System

The legal system of Nauru is described as mixed system of common law based on the English model and customary law International Law: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: effective 29 January 1968 Amendment Process: proposed by Parliament; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of Parliament; amendments to constitutional articles, such as the republican form of government, protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, the structure and authorities of the executive and legislative branches, also require two-thirds majority of votes in a referendum

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and several justices) Judge Selection: judges appointed by the president to serve until age 65 Subordinate Courts: District Court, Family Court

Legislative Branch

The legislative structure consists of unicameral

Citizenship and Suffrage

Suffrage: 20 years of age; universal and compulsory

Historical Background

By 1000 B.C., Micronesian and Polynesian settlers inhabited Nauru, and the island was divided among 12 clans. Nauru developed in relative isolation because ocean currents made landfall on the island difficult. As a result, the Nauruan language does not clearly resemble any other in the Pacific region. In 1798, a British mariner was the first European to spot the island and by 1830, European whalers used Nauru as a supply stop, trading firearms for food.

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