Chile · Legislation
Legislation and primary sources
Where to find the authoritative text of the law in Chile, and how to confirm it is still in force.
Sources of law, ranked
- Constitution
- Supreme; interpreted authoritatively by the Constitutional Tribunal.
- Leyes and decretos con fuerza de ley
- Organic constitutional laws require elevated majorities.
- Codes
- Civil Code (1855), Penal Code, Labour Code, Code of Criminal Procedure (2000).
- Case law
- Not binding; the Supreme Court unifies interpretation through cassation.
The legislative process
Bills originate with the President or in either chamber, though tax, budget and social-security bills are the President's exclusive initiative — an unusually strong executive agenda power. Both chambers must approve; a mixed committee resolves conflict. The President may veto, overridden by two-thirds. Constitutional amendment needs four-sevenths of sitting members, with two-thirds for certain entrenched chapters.
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