Legal systems vary greatly across countries, reflecting their historical, cultural, and societal influences. These systems form the backbone of governance and define how laws are created, interpreted, and enforced. A country’s legal system may fall into one of several categories, including civil law, common law, Islamic law, or a combination of these traditions.
This article provides a comprehensive list of legal systems by country, showcasing the diversity and complexity of global legal frameworks. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or professional, this guide will help you understand the legal principles shaping the world’s nations. Below, you will find a full table categorizing countries based on their legal system types.
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Country | Legal System Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Afghanistan | Mixed legal system of civil, customary, and Islamic (Sharia) law |
| 2 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Albania | Civil law system |
| 3 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Algeria | Mixed legal system of French civil law and Islamic law |
| 4 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Andorra | Mixed legal system of civil and customary law, with canon (religious) law influences |
| 5 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Angola | Civil legal system based on Portuguese civil law |
| 6 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Antigua and Barbuda | Common law based on the English model |
| 7 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Argentina | Civil law system based on West European legal systems |
| 8 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Armenia | Civil law system |
| 9 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Australia | Common law system based on the English model |
| 10 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Austria | Civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts by the Constitutional Court |
| 11 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Azerbaijan | Civil law system |
| 12 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Bahamas | Common law system based on the English model |
| 13 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Bahrain | Mixed legal system of Islamic law, English common law, Egyptian civil, criminal, and commercial codes; customary law |
| 14 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Bangladesh | Mixed legal system of mostly English common law and Islamic law |
| 15 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Barbados | English common law; no judicial review of legislative acts |
| 16 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Belarus | Civil law system |
| 17 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Belgium | Civil law system based on the French Civil Code |
| 18 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Belize | English common law |
| 19 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Benin | Civil law system modeled largely on the French system and some customary law |
| 20 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Bhutan | Civil law based on Buddhist religious law |
| 21 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Bolivia | Civil law system with influences from Roman, Spanish, canon (religious), French, and indigenous law |
| 22 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Civil law system; Constitutional Court review of legislative acts |
| 23 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Botswana | Mixed legal system of civil law influenced by the Roman-Dutch model and also customary and common law |
| 24 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Brazil | Civil law |
| 25 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Brunei | Mixed legal system based on English common law and Islamic law |
| 26 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Bulgaria | Civil law |
| 27 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Burkina Faso | Civil law based on the French model and customary law |
| 28 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Burundi | Mixed legal system of Belgian civil law and customary law |
| 29 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Ivory Coast | Civil law system based on the French civil code; judicial review in the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court |
| 30 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Cabo Verde | Civil law system of Portugal |
| 31 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Cambodia | Civil law system influenced by French law and customary law |
| 32 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Cameroon | Mixed legal system of English common law, French civil law, and customary law |
| 33 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Canada | Common law system at the federal level, with civil law in Quebec |
| 34 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Central African Republic | Mixed legal system of French civil law and customary law |
| 35 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Chad | Mixed legal system of French civil law and customary law |
| 36 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Chile | Civil law system influenced by Spanish law |
| 37 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | China | Civil law system influenced by Soviet and continental European civil law traditions |
| 38 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Colombia | Civil law system influenced by Spanish law |
| 39 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Comoros | Mixed legal system of Islamic law, French civil law, and customary law |
| 40 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) | Mixed legal system of French civil law and customary law |
| 41 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Costa Rica | Civil law system influenced by Spanish law |
| 42 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Croatia | Civil law system influenced by Austrian and Hungarian law |
| 43 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Cuba | Civil law system influenced by Spanish law |
| 44 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Cyprus | Mixed legal system of English common law and civil law with Greek Orthodox religious law influences |
| 45 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Czechia (Czech Republic) | Civil law system influenced by Germanic and Austrian law |
| 46 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Democratic Republic of the Congo | Mixed legal system of Belgian civil law and customary law |
| 47 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Denmark | Civil law system influenced by Scandinavian law |
| 48 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Djibouti | Mixed legal system of French civil law, Islamic law, and customary law |
| 49 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Dominica | Common law system based on English common law |
| 50 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Dominican Republic | Civil law system influenced by French and Spanish law |
| 51 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Ecuador | Civil law system influenced by Spanish law |
| 52 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Egypt | Mixed legal system of Islamic law and civil law |
| 53 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | El Salvador | Civil law system influenced by Spanish law |
| 54 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Equatorial Guinea | Mixed legal system of Spanish civil law and customary law |
| 55 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Eritrea | Mixed legal system of civil, customary, and Islamic law |
| 56 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Estonia | Civil law system influenced by Germanic law |
| 57 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Eswatini (fmr. "Swaziland") | Mixed legal system of Roman-Dutch civil law, customary law, and Swazi law |
| 58 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Ethiopia | Mixed legal system of civil law and customary law |
| 59 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Fiji | Mixed legal system of English common law and customary law |
| 60 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Finland | Civil law system influenced by Swedish law |
| 61 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | France | Civil law system based on the Napoleonic Code |
| 62 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Gabon | Mixed legal system of French civil law and customary law |
| 63 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Gambia | Mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law |
| 64 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Georgia | Civil law system influenced by continental European law |
| 65 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Germany | Civil law system based on the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz) |
| 66 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Ghana | Mixed legal system of English common law and customary law |
| 67 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Greece | Civil law system influenced by Roman and Germanic law |
| 68 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Grenada | Common law system based on English common law |
| 69 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Guatemala | Civil law system influenced by Spanish law |
| 70 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Guinea | Mixed legal system of French civil law and customary law |
| 71 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Guinea-Bissau | Mixed legal system of civil law and customary law |
| 72 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Guyana | Mixed legal system of English common law and Roman-Dutch civil law |
| 73 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Haiti | Civil law system influenced by French law |
| 74 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Holy See | Canon law |
| 75 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Honduras | Civil law system influenced by Spanish law |
| 76 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Hungary | Civil law system influenced by Germanic law |
| 77 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Iceland | Civil law system influenced by Danish law |
| 78 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | India | Mixed legal system of English common law, Hindu law, Islamic law, and customary law |
| 79 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Indonesia | Mixed legal system of civil law, Islamic law, and customary law |
| 80 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Iran | Mixed legal system of Islamic law and civil law |
| 81 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Iraq | Mixed legal system of civil and Islamic law |
| 82 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Ireland | Common law system |
| 83 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Israel | Mixed legal system of English common law, British Mandate regulations, and Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religious laws |
| 84 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Italy | Civil law system; judicial review of legislation under certain conditions |
| 85 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Jamaica | Common law system based on the English model |
| 86 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Japan | Civil law system influenced by German and American law |
| 87 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Jordan | Mixed legal system of civil law and Islamic religious law |
| 88 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Kazakhstan | Civil law system influenced by Roman-Germanic law and Soviet law |
| 89 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Kenya | Mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law |
| 90 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Kiribati | Mixed legal system of English common law and customary law |
| 91 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Kuwait | Mixed legal system of civil law, Islamic law, and customary law |
| 92 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Kyrgyzstan | Civil law system |
| 93 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Laos | Civil law system influenced by the French model |
| 94 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Latvia | Civil law system influenced by Germanic and French law |
| 95 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Lebanon | Mixed legal system of civil law, Islamic law, and customary law |
| 96 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Lesotho | Mixed legal system of Roman-Dutch civil law, English common law, and customary law |
| 97 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Liberia | Mixed legal system of common law (based on Anglo-American law) and customary law |
| 98 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Libya | Mixed legal system of civil law and Islamic law |
| 99 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Liechtenstein | Civil law system influenced by Swiss, Austrian, and German law |
| 100 | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | mfk97mfk | 14/12/2024 06:20 AM | Lithuania | Civil law system influenced by Roman law and continental European legal traditions |
Understanding the Different Legal System Types
- Civil Law: Civil law is the most widespread legal system globally, characterized by codified statutes and principles. Originating in Europe, it is influenced by Roman law and the Napoleonic Code. Countries like France, Germany, and Japan follow civil law systems, where legislation is the primary source of law, and judicial decisions have less precedence compared to common law systems.
- Common Law: Common law systems, predominant in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia, rely on judicial decisions and precedents as a key source of law. Originating in England, this system is dynamic and adaptable, allowing courts to interpret and refine laws over time. Common law emphasizes the role of case law alongside legislative statutes.
The Role of Mixed Legal Systems
Mixed legal systems combine elements from multiple traditions, such as civil, common, Islamic, and customary law. For example, South Africa integrates Roman-Dutch civil law, English common law, and customary law, creating a unique legal framework. Similarly, countries like Malaysia and Pakistan blend common law principles with Islamic jurisprudence, catering to diverse populations and legal needs.