Belize · Legislation
Legislation and primary sources
Where to find the authoritative text of the law in Belize, and how to confirm it is still in force.
Sources of law, ranked
- Constitution
- Supreme law; inconsistent legislation is void.
- Acts of the National Assembly
- Consolidated as Chapters in the Substantive Laws of Belize.
- English common law and equity
- Received law, as modified by Belizean statute and precedent.
- Judicial precedent
- CCJ decisions bind; English and Commonwealth authority is persuasive.
The legislative process
A bill passes three readings in the House of Representatives, then the Senate, and receives the Governor-General's assent. Money bills originate in the House. Constitutional amendments need a two-thirds majority of all House members, and certain entrenched provisions require three-quarters.
Found something out of date on Belize · Legislation?
Corrections are reviewed against the primary source before anything changes.