Mauritius properties: Government and Politics

Government and Politics
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marat on 19 June, 2008 01:43:00
 
About Mauritius
Economy
Government and Politics
Tourism
Nature and Activities
The 1968 constitution proclaims that Mauritius is a "democratic state" and that
the constitution is the supreme law of the land. It guarantees the fundamental
rights and freedoms of the people, including the right to hold private property
and to be free from racial or other discrimination. Fundamental rights can only
be suspended during wars or states of emergency, which must be duly declared by
the parliament and reviewed every six months.
The political structure is patterned to a large extent on the British system.
As in Britain, the political party that can gain support from a majority in
parliament chooses the prime minister, who, along with the cabinet, wields
political power.
The country's legal system is based on the Napoleonic Code and English common
law. The Supreme Court heads the judicial system and has the power to interpret
the constitution and to judge the constitutionality of legislation brought to
its attention. Appointed by the prime minister and president, the chief justice
helps select five other judges on the court. The Supreme Court also serves as
the Court of Criminal Appeal and the Court of Civil Appeal. Mauritius continues
to refer legal and constitutional matters of undeterminable jurisdiction to
Britain's Privy Council. Lower courts having original jurisdiction over various
kinds of cases include the Intermediate Court, the Industrial Court, and ten
district courts.