This website offers an introduction to the many countries structure their court systems. National judiciaries have varied histories and legal cultures. JW explores these traditions and offers insights about different approaches to court procedure and judicial administration. Please click here to view a short video about the site. Background information and a list of contributors can be found here.

 
Legal Traditions

 

Courts

 

Judges

 

Civil

 

Criminal

 

Country Profiles

 

International
Quick Questions

Legal Systems Around the World

Every nation has a unique legal system that reflects its history, culture, and government structure. Along with the civil and common law traditions, religious law plays a role in many parts of the world. This map offers a basic overview of the world’s judicial systems, including legal tradition, highest court, and selected features. More information about nations not included in the Country Profiles section will be added overtime.

Click a country on the map to learn more about its legal system; to find a specific country, use the search option by clicking on the magnifying glass on the top-left corner.
 

Recent Content

Drawing of two people shaking hands.
Defining Customary Law Customary law is a set of laws based on the traditions, customs, or norms of a local community. It is applied in many countries around the world, often in conjunction with civil, common, and religious legal systems.  As with any legal system,…
Four Judges from Ghana and two officials standing at a table
Judicial Selection When deciding how to select judges, governments consider a number of factors. Some prioritize high performance on a competitive examination. Some look for pragmatic knowledge and administrative competence above all else, while others seek…
Supreme Court of Australia
There is great diversity in the history, architectural style, size, and interior of courthouses around the world. Many nation's apex courts are hundreds of years old and grand. Others are more modest in stature but no less significant in their authority. Apex Courts…