Libya - Judicial system

The Proclamation of People's Authority designates the Holy Quran as the law of society. The Libyan legal system largely follows Egyptian codes and precedents. All cases relating to personal status are dealt with according to Muslim law. Minor civil and commercial cases may be heard in summary courts by a sitting judge in each village and town. Other cases of the first instance are heard by courts of first instance, and appeals may be taken to three courts of appeal, located in Tripoli, Benghazi, and Sabha. A separate body called the Shari'ah Court of Appeals hears cases appealed from the lower courts involving Islamic law. There is also a Supreme Court, consisting of a president and judges appointed by the GPC. It may deal with constitutional and legislative questions referred to it and may hear administrative cases. Special revolutionary courts try political offenses. In 1981, the private practice of law was abolished and all lawyers became employees of the secretariat of justice. Since 1981, revolutionary committees have been encouraged to conduct public trials without legal safeguards.


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