Legal System of Palau

Palau is located in Australia Oceania. It is geographically situated in oceania, group of islands in the north pacific ocean, southeast of the philippines. The country achieved independence on 1 october 1994 (from the us-administered un trusteeship). The capital is Ngerulmud.

Government Overview

Government Type: presidential republic in free association with the US Chief of State: President Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (since 21 January 2021) Head of Government: President Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (since 21 January 2021) Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate; also includes the vice president; the Council of Chiefs consists of chiefs from each of the states who advise the president on issues concerning traditional laws, customs, and their relationship to the constitution and laws Administrative Divisions: 16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Hatohobei, Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngatpang, Ngchesar, Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol National Holiday: Constitution Day, 9 July (1981); Independence Day, 1 October (1994) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Legal System

The legal system of Palau is described as mixed system of civil, common, and customary law International Law: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: ratified 9 July 1980, effective 1 January 1981 Amendment Process: proposed by a constitutional convention (held at least once every 15 years with voter approval), by public petition of at least 25% of eligible voters, or by a resolution adopted by at least three fourths of National Congress members; passage requires approval by a majority of votes in at least three fourths of the states in the next regular general election

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 3 associate justices organized into appellate trial divisions; the Supreme Court organization also includes the Common Pleas and Land Courts) Judge Selection: justices nominated by a 7-member independent body consisting of judges, presidential appointees, and lawyers and appointed by the president; judges can serve until mandatory retirement at age 65 Subordinate Courts: National Court and other inferior courts

Legislative Branch

The legislative structure consists of bicameral Lower Chamber: House of Delegates (16 (all directly elected) seats) Electoral System (Lower Chamber): plurality/majority Upper Chamber: Senate

Citizenship and Suffrage

Citizenship by Birth: no Citizenship by Descent: at least one parent must be a citizen of Palau Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Historical Background

Humans arrived in the Palauan archipelago from Southeast Asia around 1000 B.C. and developed a complex, highly organized matrilineal society where high-ranking women picked the chiefs. The islands were the westernmost part of the widely scattered Pacific islands north of New Guinea that Spanish explorers named the Caroline Islands in the 17th century.

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