Legal System of Uruguay

Uruguay is located in South America. It is geographically situated in southern south america, bordering the south atlantic ocean, between argentina and brazil. The country achieved independence on 25 august 1825 (from brazil). The capital is Montevideo.

Government Overview

Government Type: presidential republic Chief of State: President Yamandú ORSI Martínez (since 1 March 2025) Head of Government: President Yamandú ORSI Martínez (since 1 March 2025) Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president with approval of the General Assembly Administrative Divisions: 19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Artigas, Canelones, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida, Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandú, Rio Negro, Rivera, Rocha, Salto, San José, Soriano, Tacuarembó, Treinta y Tres National Holiday: Independence Day, 25 August (1825) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Legal System

The legal system of Uruguay is described as civil law system based on the Spanish civil code International Law: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: several previous; latest approved by plebiscite 27 November 1966, effective 15 February 1967, reinstated in 1985 at the conclusion of military rule Amendment Process: initiated by public petition of at least 10% of qualified voters, proposed by agreement of at least two fifths of the General Assembly membership, or by existing “constitutional laws” sanctioned by at least two thirds of the membership in both houses of the Assembly; proposals can also be submitted by senators, representatives, or by the executive power and require the formation of and approval in a national constituent convention; final passage by either method requires approval by absolute majority of votes cast in a referendum

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): Supreme Court of Justice (consists of 5 judges) Judge Selection: judges nominated by the president and appointed by two-thirds vote in joint conference of the General Assembly; judges serve 10-year terms, with reelection possible after a lapse of 5 years following the previous term Subordinate Courts: Courts of Appeal; District Courts (Juzgados Letrados); Peace Courts (Juzgados de Paz); Rural Courts (Juzgados Rurales)

Legislative Branch

The legislative structure consists of bicameral Lower Chamber: House of Representatives (Cámara de Representantes) (99 (all directly elected) seats) Electoral System (Lower Chamber): proportional representation Upper Chamber: Senate (Cámara de Senadores)

Citizenship and Suffrage

Citizenship by Birth: yes Citizenship by Descent: yes Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Historical Background

The Spanish founded the city of Montevideo in modern-day Uruguay in 1726 as a military stronghold, and it soon became an important commercial center due to its natural harbor. Argentina initially claimed Uruguay, but Brazil annexed the country in 1821. Uruguay declared its independence in 1825 and secured its freedom in 1828 after a three-year struggle.

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