Estonia · Overview
The legal system of Estonia
A Germanic-influenced civil-law system rebuilt after 1991 and now the world’s most digital state, where e-residency, digital signatures and online company formation are routine. An EU and eurozone member.
Legal tradition
Estonia belongs to the civil law tradition. A Germanic-influenced civil-law system rebuilt after 1991 and now the world’s most digital state, where e-residency, digital signatures and online company formation are routine. An EU and eurozone member.
How power is divided
Parliamentary government with a largely ceremonial president and an independent judiciary whose apex court also performs constitutional review.
Where law comes from
- Constitution
- The 1992 constitution (Põhiseadus).
- EU law
- Directly applicable and, in its field, paramount.
- Acts of the Riigikogu
- Primary legislation.
- Regulations
- Government and ministerial regulations under statute.
The legal profession
Advocates belong to the Estonian Bar Association; much litigation and registration is conducted through digital channels.
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