Legal System of Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is located in East N Southeast Asia. It is geographically situated in oceania, group of islands including the eastern half of the island of new guinea between the coral sea and the south pacific ocean, east of indonesia. The country achieved independence on 16 september 1975 (from the australia-administered un trusteeship). The capital is Port Moresby.
Government Overview
Government Type: parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Chief of State: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob DADAE (since 28 February 2017) Head of Government: Prime Minister James MARAPE (since 30 May 2019) Cabinet: National Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the recommendation of the prime minister Administrative Divisions: 20 provinces, 1 autonomous region*, and 1 district**; Bougainville*, Central, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Hela, Jiwaka, Madang, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital**, New Ireland, Northern, Southern Highlands, Western, Western Highlands, West New Britain, West Sepik National Holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1975) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Legal System
The legal system of Papua New Guinea is described as mixed system of English common law 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: adopted 15 August 1975, effective at independence 16 September 1975 Amendment Process: proposed by the National Parliament; passage has prescribed majority vote requirements depending on the constitutional sections being amended – absolute majority, two-thirds majority, or three-fourths majority
Judicial Branch
Highest Court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice, deputy chief justice, 35 justices, and 5 acting justices); National Courts (consists of 13 courts located in the provincial capitals, with a total of 19 resident judges) Judge Selection: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor general on advice of the National Executive Council (cabinet) after consultation with the National Justice Administration minister; deputy chief justice and other justices appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body that includes the Supreme Court chief and deputy chief justices, the chief ombudsman, and a member of the National Parliament; full-time citizen judges appointed for 10-year renewable terms; non-citizen judges initially appointed for 3-year renewable terms and after first renewal can serve until age 70; appointment and tenure of National Court resident judges NA Subordinate Courts: district, village, and juvenile courts, military courts, taxation courts, coronial courts, mining warden courts, land courts, traffic courts, committal courts, grade five courts
Legislative Branch
The legislative structure consists of unicameral
Citizenship and Suffrage
Citizenship by Birth: no Citizenship by Descent: at least one parent must be a citizen of Papua New Guinea Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Historical Background
Papua New Guinea (PNG) occupies the eastern half of the island of New Guinea; the western half is part of Indonesia. PNG was first settled between 50,000 and 60,000 years ago. Its harsh geography of mountains, jungles, and numerous river valleys kept many of the arriving groups isolated, giving rise to PNG’s ethnic and linguistic diversity. Around 500 B.C., Austronesian voyagers settled along the coast.
This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Papua New Guinea based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.