Marshall Islands · Legislation
Legislation and primary sources
Where to find the authoritative text of the law in Marshall Islands, and how to confirm it is still in force.
Sources of law, ranked
- The Constitution
- Supreme law; Article II Bill of Rights and Article VI on customary jurisdiction.
- Acts of the Nitijela
- Unicameral legislature of 33 senators.
- Customary law
- Determined authoritatively by the Traditional Rights Court; governs land tenure, chiefly title and inheritance.
- Compact of Free Association
- Treaty with the United States covering defence, economic assistance and visa-free migration.
The legislative process
Bills pass the Nitijela and are signed by the President. Legislation affecting customary law, land tenure or traditional practice must be referred to the Council of Iroij, which may return its opinion to the chamber; the Nitijela may proceed regardless, but the referral is a required step. Constitutional amendments require either a two-thirds vote of the Nitijela followed by a referendum, or a constitutional convention.
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