Legal System of Saint Martin
Saint Martin is located in Central America N Caribbean. It is geographically situated in caribbean, located in the leeward islands (northern) group; french part of the island of saint martin in the caribbean sea; saint martin lies east of the us virgin islands. The country achieved independence on none (overseas collectivity of france). The capital is Marigot.
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 10 February 2025) Head of Government: President of Territorial Council Louis MUSSINGTON (since 3 April 2022) Cabinet: Executive Council, as well as 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 Martin 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 Barthelemy) is directly elected to the French National Assembly for a 5-year term
Citizenship and Suffrage
Suffrage: 18 years of age, universal
Historical Background
Christopher COLUMBUS claimed Saint Martin for Spain in 1493, naming it after the feast day of St. Martin of Tours, but it was the Dutch who occupied the island in 1631 to exploit its salt deposits. The Spanish retook Saint Martin in 1633, but the Dutch continued to assert their claims. The Spanish finally relinquished the island to the French and Dutch, who divided it between themselves in 1648.
This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Saint Martin based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.