Legal System of Suriname

Suriname is located in South America. It is geographically situated in northern south america, bordering the north atlantic ocean, between french guiana and guyana. The country achieved independence on 25 november 1975 (from the netherlands). The capital is Paramaribo.

Government Overview

Government Type: presidential republic Chief of State: President Jennifer GEERLINGS-SIMONS (since 16 July 2025) Head of Government: President Jennifer GEERLINGS-SIMONS (since 16 July 2025) Cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president Administrative Divisions: 10 districts (distrikten, singular - distrikt); Brokopondo, Commewijne, Coronie, Marowijne, Nickerie, Para, Paramaribo, Saramacca, Sipaliwini, Wanica National Holiday: Independence Day, 25 November (1975) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Legal System

The legal system of Suriname is described as civil law system influenced by Dutch civil law International Law: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: previous 1975; latest ratified 30 September 1987, effective 30 October 1987 Amendment Process: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the total membership

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): High Court of Justice of Suriname (consists of the court president, vice president, and 4 judges) Judge Selection: court judges appointed by the national president in consultation with the National Assembly, the State Advisory Council, and the Order of Private Attorneys; judges serve for life Subordinate Courts: cantonal 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 Suriname Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Historical Background

The Spaniards first explored Suriname in the 16th century, and the English then settled it in the mid-17th century. Suriname became a Dutch colony in 1667. With the abolition of African slavery in 1863, workers were brought in from India and Java. The Netherlands granted the colony independence in 1975. Five years later, the civilian government was replaced by a military regime that soon declared Suriname a socialist republic.

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