Seychelles · Overview
The legal system of Seychelles
Like Mauritius, Seychelles kept French substantive law after the British takeover, with English procedure and criminal law. Its Civil Code was a translated adaptation of the Code Napoléon until a comprehensive new Civil Code took effect in 2021, which matters for anything spanning the changeover: the older translated code governs prior transactions and much existing authority interprets the old text. Land is significantly regulated in favour of citizens, with sanction requirements for non-citizen acquisition.
Legal tradition
Seychelles belongs to the mixed french civil law and english common law tradition. Like Mauritius, Seychelles kept French substantive law after the British takeover, with English procedure and criminal law. Its Civil Code was a translated adaptation of the Code Napoléon until a comprehensive new Civil Code took effect in 2021, which matters for anything spanning the changeover: the older translated code governs prior transactions and much existing authority interprets the old text. Land is significantly regulated in favour of citizens, with sanction requirements for non-citizen acquisition.
How power is divided
Unitary with 27 administrative districts. The outer islands are administered centrally, and the Seychelles' extensive exclusive economic zone is a significant focus of regulation.
Where law comes from
- Constitution
- Supreme law; the charter of rights is directly enforceable.
- Civil Code of Seychelles Act 2020
- In force from 2021, replacing the translated Code Napoléon.
- Acts of the National Assembly
- Primary legislation.
- English procedure and criminal law
- Court practice, evidence and criminal law follow English models.
- Case law
- Binding precedent from the Court of Appeal downwards.
The legal profession
A fused profession of attorneys-at-law admitted by the Supreme Court after a recognised law qualification and pupillage, with the Bar Association of Seychelles representing practitioners.
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