Legal System of Saint Barthelemy
Saint Barthelemy is located in Central America N Caribbean. It is geographically situated in caribbean, island between the caribbean sea and the north atlantic ocean; located in the leeward islands (northern) group; saint barthelemy lies east of the us virgin islands. The country achieved independence on none (overseas collectivity of france). The capital is Gustavia.
Government Overview
Government Type: parliamentary democracy (Territorial Council); overseas collectivity of France Chief of State: President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017), represented by Prefect Cyrille LE VELY (since 15 January 2025) Head of Government: President of Territorial Council Xavier LEDEE (since 3 April 2022) Cabinet: Executive Council elected by the Territorial Council; there is also an advisory, economic, social, and cultural council National Holiday: Fête de la Fédération, 14 July (1790) Suffrage: 18 years of age, universal
Legal System
The legal system of Saint Barthelemy is described as french civil law
Constitutional Framework
The constitution has the following history: 4 October 1958 (French Constitution) Amendment Process: amendment procedures of France’s constitution apply
Judicial Branch
Legislative Branch
The legislative structure consists of unicameral Note: note: 1 senator is indirectly elected to the French Senate by an electoral college for a 6-year term, and 1 deputy (shared with Saint Martin) is directly elected to the French National Assembly for a five-year term
Citizenship and Suffrage
Suffrage: 18 years of age, universal
Historical Background
In 1493, Christopher COLUMBUS named Saint Barthelemy for his brother Bartolomeo, but the island was first settled by the French in 1648. In 1784, France sold the island to Sweden, which renamed the largest town Gustavia after the Swedish King GUSTAV III and made it a free port; the island prospered as a trade and supply center during the colonial wars of the 18th century. France repurchased the island in 1877 and took control the following year, placing it under the administration of Guadeloupe.
This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Saint Barthelemy based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.