Legal System of Syria

Syria is located in Middle East. It is geographically situated in middle east, bordering the mediterranean sea, between lebanon and turkey. The country achieved independence on 17 april 1946 (from league of nations mandate under french administration). The capital is Damascus.

Government Overview

Government Type: transitional presidential republic Chief of State: Ahmad al-Shara’; former President Bashar al-ASAD was overthrown by Islamist rebels on 8 December 2024 Head of Government: Prime Minister Muhammad al-BASHIR (since 8 December 2024) Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president Administrative Divisions: 14 provinces (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Hasakah, Al Ladhiqiyah (Latakia), Al Qunaytirah, Ar Raqqah, As Suwayda’, Dar’a, Dayr az Zawr, Dimashq (Damascus), Halab (Aleppo), Hamah, Hims (Homs), Idlib, Rif Dimashq (Damascus Countryside), Tartus National Holiday: Independence Day (Evacuation Day), 17 April (1946) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Legal System

The legal system of Syria is described as mixed system of civil and Islamic (sharia) law (for family courts) International Law: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICC

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: Syria’s 2012 constitution was rescinded by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-led government in January 2025; in March 2025, interim authorities announced a transitional constitution to remain in effect for up to five years

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): Court of Cassation (organized into civil, criminal, religious, and military divisions, each with 3 judges); Supreme Constitutional Court (consists of 7 members) Judge Selection: Court of Cassation judges appointed by the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), a judicial management body headed by the minister of justice with 7 members, including the national president; judge tenure NA; Supreme Constitutional Court judges nominated by the president and appointed by the SJC; judges serve 4-year renewable terms Subordinate Courts: courts of first instance; magistrates’ courts; religious and military courts; Economic Security Court; Counterterrorism Court

Legislative Branch

The legislative structure consists of unicameral

Citizenship and Suffrage

Citizenship by Birth: no Citizenship by Descent: the father must be a citizen of Syria; if the father is unknown or stateless, the mother must be a citizen of Syria Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Historical Background

After World War I, France acquired a mandate over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. The French administered the area until granting it independence in 1946. The new country lacked political stability and experienced a series of military coups. Syria united with Egypt in 1958 to form the United Arab Republic. In 1961, the two entities separated, and the Syrian Arab Republic was reestablished.

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