Legal System of Paraguay

Paraguay is located in South America. It is geographically situated in central south america, northeast of argentina, southwest of brazil. The country achieved independence on 14-15 may 1811 (from spain). The capital is Asunción.

Government Overview

Government Type: presidential republic Chief of State: President Santiago PEÑA Palacios (since 15 August 2023) Head of Government: President Santiago PEÑA Palacios (since 15 August 2023) Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president Administrative Divisions: 17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital city*; Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay, Asuncion*, Boquerón, Caaguazú, Caazapá, Canindeyú, Central, Concepcion, Cordillera, Guairá, Itapúa, Misiones, Ñeembucú, Paraguarí, Presidente Hayes, San Pedro National Holiday: Independence Day, 14-15 May (1811) (observed 15 May); 14 May is celebrated as Flag Day Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory until the age of 75

Legal System

The legal system of Paraguay is described as civil law system with influences from Argentine, Spanish, Roman, and French civil law models; Supreme Court of Justice reviews legislative acts International Law: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: several previous; latest approved and promulgated 20 June 1992 Amendment Process: proposed at the initiative of at least one quarter of either chamber of the National Congress, by the president of the republic, or by petition of at least 30,000 voters; passage requires a two-thirds majority vote by both chambers and approval in a referendum

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (consists of 9 justices divided 3 each into the Constitutional Court, Civil and Commercial Chamber, and Criminal Division) Judge Selection: justices proposed by the Council of Magistrates or Consejo de la Magistratura, a 6-member independent body, and appointed by the Chamber of Senators with presidential concurrence; judges can serve until mandatory retirement at age 75 Subordinate Courts: appellate courts; first instance courts; minor courts, including justices of the peace

Legislative Branch

The legislative structure consists of bicameral Lower Chamber: Chamber of Deputies (Cámara de Diputados) (80 (all directly elected) seats) Electoral System (Lower Chamber): proportional representation Upper Chamber: Senate (Cámara de Senadores)

Citizenship and Suffrage

Citizenship by Birth: yes Citizenship by Descent: at least one parent must be a native-born citizen of Paraguay Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory until the age of 75

Historical Background

Several Indigenous groups, principally belonging to the Guarani language family, inhabited the area of modern Paraguay before the arrival of the Spanish in the early 16th century, when the territory was incorporated into the Viceroyalty of Peru. Paraguay achieved its independence from Spain in 1811 with the help of neighboring states. In the aftermath of independence, a series of military dictators ruled the country until 1870.

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