Chad · Overview
The legal system of Chad
A French-tradition civil-law system in which customary and Islamic rules govern much personal status in practice, since no comprehensive family code was enacted. A new constitution was approved by referendum in December 2023, ending the post-2021 transition. OHADA governs commercial law and oil is the dominant sector.
Legal tradition
Chad belongs to the mixed (french civil law, customary and islamic law) tradition. A French-tradition civil-law system in which customary and Islamic rules govern much personal status in practice, since no comprehensive family code was enacted. A new constitution was approved by referendum in December 2023, ending the post-2021 transition. OHADA governs commercial law and oil is the dominant sector.
How power is divided
Presidential system with a Prime Minister, a bicameral Parliament of National Assembly and Senate under the 2023 text, and a judiciary headed by the Supreme Court.
Where law comes from
- Constitution of 2023
- Adopted by referendum, ending the transition.
- OHADA Uniform Acts
- Directly applicable commercial law.
- CEMAC community law
- Regional economic and monetary rules.
- Laws and ordinances
- Parliamentary statutes and delegated instruments.
- Customary and Islamic rules
- Govern most marriage, divorce and inheritance questions in practice.
The legal profession
Avocats admitted through the Ordre des avocats du Tchad; the profession is concentrated in N'Djamena.
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