Legal System of The Gambia
The Gambia is located in Africa. It is geographically situated in western africa, bordering the north atlantic ocean and senegal. The country achieved independence on 18 february 1965 (from the uk). The capital is Banjul.
Government Overview
Government Type: presidential republic Chief of State: President Adama BARROW (since 19 January 2022) Head of Government: Vice President Mohammed JALLOW (since 23 February 2024) Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president Administrative Divisions: 5 regions, 1 city*, and 1 municipality**; Banjul*, Central River, Kanifing**, Lower River, North Bank, Upper River, West Coast National Holiday: Independence Day, 18 February (1965) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Legal System
The legal system of The Gambia is described as mixed system of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law International Law: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Constitutional Framework
The constitution has the following history: previous 1965 (Independence Act), 1970; latest adopted 8 April 1996, approved by referendum 8 August 1996, effective 16 January 1997 Amendment Process: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote by the Assembly membership in each of several readings and approval by the president of the republic; a referendum is required for amendments affecting national sovereignty, fundamental rights and freedoms, government structures and authorities, taxation, and public funding; passage by referendum requires participation of at least 50% of eligible voters and approval by at least 75% of votes cast
Judicial Branch
Highest Court(s): Supreme Court of The Gambia (consists of the chief justice and 6 justices; court sessions held with 5 justices) Judge Selection: justices appointed by the president after consultation with the Judicial Service Commission, a 6-member independent body of high-level judicial officials, a presidential appointee, and a National Assembly appointee; justices appointed for life or until mandatory retirement at age 75 Subordinate Courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Special Criminal Court; Khadis or Muslim courts; district tribunals; magistrates courts; cadi courts
Legislative Branch
The legislative structure consists of unicameral
Citizenship and Suffrage
Citizenship by Birth: yes Citizenship by Descent: yes Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Historical Background
In the 10th century, Muslim merchants established some of The Gambia’s earliest large settlements as trans-Saharan trade hubs. These settlements eventually grew into major export centers sending slaves, gold, and ivory across the Sahara. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, European colonial powers began establishing trade with The Gambia. In 1664, the United Kingdom established a colony in The Gambia focused on exporting enslaved people across the Atlantic.
This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of The Gambia based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.