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Comparison of selected legal systems
AttributeSomaliaIndexedGreeceReviewed
Legal familyPluralist: Islamic, customary and civil lawCivil law
System of governmentFederal parliamentary republicUnitary parliamentary republic
ConstitutionProvisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of SomaliaConstitution of Greece
In force since20121975
CapitalMogadishuAthens
Official languagesSomali, ArabicGreek
CurrencySomali shilling (SOS)Euro (EUR)
Population18,100,00010,400,000
Division of powersFederal in form, with member states including Puntland, Jubaland, South West, Hirshabelle and Galmudug. The division of powers was left to be settled by later agreement and remains contested, particularly over revenue and security. Somaliland, in the northwest, does not participate and administers its own institutions.A parliamentary republic with a largely ceremonial President, a Government answerable to Parliament and an independent judiciary organised into civil/criminal, administrative and audit branches.
How law is madeBills are introduced by the government or members and passed by the House of the People, with the Upper House participating on matters affecting member states, before presidential assent. Because Article 2 subjects all legislation to consistency with Sharia and no court exists to adjudicate that limit, and because member-state legislation operates in parallel, the effective legislative picture cannot be described as unified.Bills are passed by the Hellenic Parliament and promulgated by the President; a Special Highest Court resolves disputes over constitutionality.
Legal professionAdvocates practise through the Somali Bar Association and regional bar associations, with legal education rebuilt through universities in Mogadishu, Hargeisa and elsewhere since the 1990s. Many practitioners work across the formal courts and customary forums, since a client's remedy often lies in the latter. Verified current figures on admission and numbers are not available, which is reflected in this entry's status.Dikigoroi (advocates) belong to local bar associations; symvolaiografoi (notaries) authenticate deeds and property transfers.

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.