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Comparison

Read two legal systems against each other

Because every portal follows the same fifteen-section outline, the comparison is genuinely like-for-like rather than a collage of whatever each government happens to publish.

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Comparison of selected legal systems
AttributeNamibiaReviewedPeruReviewedMaliIndexed
Legal familyMixed Roman-Dutch and English common lawCivil lawCivil law (French tradition)
System of governmentSemi-presidential republicUnitary semi-presidential republicRepublic under transitional military-led government
ConstitutionConstitution of the Republic of NamibiaPolitical Constitution of PeruConstitution of Mali
In force since199019932023
CapitalWindhoekLimaBamako
Official languagesEnglishSpanish, Quechua, AymaraFrench, Bambara
CurrencyNamibian dollar (NAD)Peruvian sol (PEN)West African CFA franc (XOF)
Population2,600,00034,000,00023,300,000
Division of powersUnitary with 14 administrative regions and elected regional councils, which also constitute the National Council, the upper chamber. Traditional authorities exercise recognised functions over communal land and customary law.Unitary and decentralised, with twenty-five regional governments and the Lima Metropolitan Municipality holding elected councils and administrative competence. Peasant and native communities exercise jurisdiction within their territory under Article 149 in coordination with the justices of the peace.Formally a presidential system with a Prime Minister and bicameral legislature under the 2023 text; in practice transitional authorities exercise combined executive and legislative functions pending elections.
How law is madeBills pass the National Assembly through three readings, then go to the National Council for review. The Council may confirm, propose amendments, or object; the Assembly can override an objection by a two-thirds majority. The President then assents, and constitutional amendments require two-thirds of both chambers and may never diminish the rights chapter.Bills come from Congress, the executive, regional governments or citizens. A single chamber debates in committee and plenary; a second vote is required unless exempted. The President may observe a bill, and Congress insists by absolute majority. Constitutional amendment needs an absolute majority in two successive ordinary legislatures, or a two-thirds vote plus referendum.Under the transition, texts are adopted by the Conseil national de transition or issued as ordinances and promulgated by the President of the Transition. The 2023 constitution provides for ordinary bicameral passage once institutions are restored.
Legal professionA fused profession under the Legal Practitioners Act: a single class of legal practitioner is admitted after a law degree and the Justice Training Centre's postgraduate course, and the Law Society of Namibia regulates practice.A law degree followed by a bachiller and título de abogado, then compulsory registration with one of the departmental colegios de abogados, which hold disciplinary power. Registration in one college permits practice nationwide. Notaries are a separate profession appointed by competitive examination.Avocats admitted through the Barreau du Mali after a law degree and traineeship; notaires and huissiers are separate ministerial offices.

A comparison table flattens nuance by design. Where a difference matters to a decision you are making, open both portals and read the section in full — the constitutional detail behind a one-line summary is often the part that governs the outcome.