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The Global Gender Equality Constitutional Database is a repository of gender equality related provisions in 194 constitutions from around the world. The Database was updated in partnership with the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and with support from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and the Government of Japan. Experience its wealth and depth of information by starting your search now.
Composition and Appointment
- English…
The law will establish the form and procedures through open contest for the composition of the jurisdictional organs, observing the principle of parity of gender.
… (Art. 94) - Spanish…
La ley establecerá la forma y procedimientos mediante concursos abiertos para la integración de los órganos jurisdiccionales, observando el principio de paridad de género.
… (Art. 94)
Jurisdiction and Access
- English1. The Constitutional Court shall, in general be responsible for the administration of justice in legal and constitutional matters, under the terms of the Constitution and the law.
2. The Constitutional Court shall be responsible for:
a) Assessing the constitutionality of any rules and other acts of the state;
b) Providing a prior review of the constitutionality of the laws of parliament;
c) Exercising jurisdiction in other legal and constitutional, electoral and party political matters, under the terms of the Constitution and the law;
d) Assessing appeals against the constitutionality of the decisions of the various courts which have refused to apply particular rules on the grounds that they are unconstitutional;
e) Assessing appeals against the constitutionality of rulings made by the various courts that have applied rules whose constitutionality has been questioned during the relevant proceedings.
… (Art. 180) - Portuguese1. Ao Tribunal Constitucional compete, em geral, administrar a justiça em matérias de natureza jurídico-constitucional, nos termos da Constituição e da lei.
2. Compete ao Tribunal Constitucional:
a) Apreciar a constitucionalidade de quaisquer normas e demais actos do Estado;
b) Apreciar preventivamente a constitucionalidade das leis do parlamento;
c) Exercer jurisdição sobre outras questões de natureza jurídicoconstitucional, eleitoral e político-partidária, nos termos da Constituição e da lei;
d) Apreciar em recurso a constitucionalidade das decisões dos demais Tribunais que recusem a aplicação de qualquer norma com fundamento na sua inconstitucionalidade;
e) Apreciar em recurso a constitucionalidade das decisões dos demais Tribunais que apliquem normas cuja constitucionalidade haja sido suscitada durante o processo.
… (Art. 180)
Jurisdiction and Access
- English…
The laws prior to the Constitution must be modified, if it applies, to render them in conformity with the constitutional rights and freedoms within a time period not exceeding three years counting from the date of promulgation of this Constitutional Law.
In case that the modifications provided for in the preceding paragraph are not adopted [apportées] in the prescribed times, any individual can refer [déférer] these laws to the Constitutional Council for examination of their constitutionality. The provisions declared unconstitutional may not be applied. (Art. 102) - Arabic...
يتوجّب تعديل القوانين السّابقة للدّستور، و عند الاقتضاء- من أجل مطابقتها مع الحقوق و الحريّات الدّستورية في أجل لا يتعدّى ثلاث سنوات(3) اعتبارا من تاريخ صدور هذا القانون الدستوري.
و في حالة عدم إجراء التّعديلات المقرّرة في الفقرة السّابقة في الآجال المحدّدة يجوز لأي شخص أن يطعن في عدم دستورية هذه القوانين أمام المجلس الدستوري. و لا يجوز تطبيق التّرتيبات المحكوم بعدم دستوريتها. (المادّة 102) - French...
Les lois antérieures à la Constitution doivent être modifiées, s’il y a lieu, pour les rendre conformes aux droits et libertés constitutionnels, dans un délai n’excédant pas trois (3) ans pour compter de la date de promulgation de la présente loi constitutionnelle.
Au cas où les modifications prévues à l'alinéa précédent ne sont pas apportées dans les délais prescrits, tout individu pourra déférer ces lois au Conseil constitutionnel pour examen de leur constitutionnalité. Les dispositions déclarées inconstitutionnelles ne peuvent être appliquées. (Art. 102)
Jurisdiction and Access
- EnglishAmong the constitutional and legal functions of the Supreme Court of Justice shall be the following:
1. To guard the integrity of the Constitution. For this purpose, and after hearing the opinion of the Attorney General of the Nation or the Solicitor General of the Administration, the Court in plenary session shall try and rule on cases concerning the unconstitutionality of laws, decrees, decisions, resolutions and other acts that for reasons of substance or form are challenged before it, by any person.
When during the proceedings of a case, the public official entrusted with the administration of Justice considers, or it is observed by one of the parties, that the legal or regulatory provision applicable to the case is unconstitutional, he/she shall submit the question to the cognizance of the Court in plenary session, except when the provision has already been the subject of a decision, and shall order a continuance of the case, until the question of constitutionality is decided.
The parties only shall be able to formulate such observations one time during the process of a case;
… (Art. 206) - SpanishLa Corte Suprema de Justicia tendrá, entre sus atribuciones constitucionales y legales, las siguientes:
1. La guarda de la integridad de la Constitución para lo cual la Corte en pleno conocerá y decidirá, con audiencia del Procurador General de la Nación o del Procurador de la Administración, sobre la inconstitucionalidad de las Leyes, decretos, acuerdos, resoluciones y demás actos que por razones de fondo o de forma impugne ante ella cualquier persona.
Cuando en un proceso el funcionario público encargado de impartir justicia advirtiere o se lo advirtiere alguna de las partes que la disposición legal o reglamentaria aplicable al caso es inconstitucional, someterá la cuestión al conocimiento del pleno de la Corte, salvo que la disposición haya sido objeto de pronunciamiento por parte de ésta, y continuará el curso del negocio hasta colocarlo en estado de decidir.
Las partes sólo podrán formular tales advertencias una sola vez por instancia.
… (Art. 206)
Jurisdiction and Access
- EnglishThe Constitutional Court is the judicial body responsible for the protection of constitutionality. (1993 Constitution, Art. 83)
- CzechÚstavní soud je soudním orgánem ochrany ústavnosti. (Ústava 1993, Čl. 83)
Jurisdiction and Access
- English
The Constitutional Council sees to the regularity of the presidential elections. It examines the complaints and proclaims the results of the ballot.
The Constitutional Council decides, in case of dispute, on the regularity of the election or of the appointment of the members of the National Assembly.
In electoral matters, the Constitutional Council can be referred to [a matter] by any interested candidate.
It sees to the regularity of the operations of the referendum and proclaims the results of it.
The Constitutional Council sees to respect for the procedure of revision of the Constitution. (Art. 154) - French
Le Conseil constitutionnel veille à la régularité des élections présidentielles. Il examine les réclamations et proclame les résultats du scrutin.
Le Conseil constitutionnel statue, en cas de contestation, sur la régularité de l’élection ou de la nomination des membres de l’Assemblée nationale.
En matière électorale, le Conseil constitutionnel peut être saisi par tout candidat intéressé.
Il veille à la régularité des opérations de référendum et en proclame les résultats.
Le Conseil constitutionnel veille au respect de la procédure de révision de la Constitution. (Art. 154)
Jurisdiction and Access
- EnglishThe Constitutional Court controls the regularity of the presidential and legislative elections. It examines the claims, decides on the disputes of the presidential and of the legislative elections and proclaims the results of the ballots. It decides on the regularity of the referendum and proclaims their results of them. (Art. 127)
- FrenchLa Cour constitutionnelle contrôle la régularité des élections présidentielles et législatives. Elle examine les réclamations, statue sur le contentieux des élections présidentielles et législatives et proclame les résultats des scrutins. Elle statue sur la régularité du référendum et en proclame les résultats. (Art. 127)
Jurisdiction and Access
- English(1) Subject to the provisions of section 22(2), 38(8)(b), 102(2) and 105(10) of this Constitution, any person who alleges that any provisions of this Constitution (other than a provision of Chapter 13 thereof) has been or is being contravened may, if he has a relevant interest, apply to the High Court for a declaration and for relief under this section.
(2) The High Court shall have jurisdiction on an application made under this section to determine whether any provision of this Constitution (other than a provision of Chapter 1 thereof) has been or is being contravened and to make a declaration accordingly.
(3) Where the High Court makes a declaration under this section that a provision of this Constitution has been or is being contravened and the person on whose application the declaration is made has also applied for relief, the High Court may grant to that person such remedy as it considers appropriate, being a remedy available generally under any law in proceedings in the High Court.
(4) The Chief Justice may make rules with respect to the practice and procedure of the High Court in relation to the jurisdiction and powers conferred on the Court by or under this section, including provisions with respect to the time within which any application under this section may be made.
(5) A person shall be regarded as having a relevant interest for the purpose of an application under this section only if the contravention of this Constitution alleged by him is such as to affect his interests.
(6) The rights conferred on a person by this section to apply for a declaration and relief in respect of an alleged contravention of this Constitution shall be in addition to any other action in respect of the same matter that may be available to that person under any law.
(7) Nothing in this section shall confer jurisdiction on the High Court to hear or determine any such question as is referred to in section 36 of this Constitution. (Sec. 96)
Jurisdiction and Access
- English1. A Special Highest Court shall be established, the jurisdiction of which shall comprise:
a) The trial of objections in accordance with article 58.
b) Verification of the validity and returns of a referendum held in accordance with article 44 paragraph 2.
c) Judgment in cases involving the incompatibility or the forfeiture of office by a Member of Parliament, in accordance with article 55 paragraph 2 and article 57.
d) Settlement of any conflict between the courts and the administrative authorities, or between the Supreme Administrative Court and the ordinary administrative courts on one hand and the civil and criminal courts on the other, or between the Court of Audit and any other court.
e) Settlement of controversies on whether the content of a statute enacted by Parliament is contrary to the Constitution, or on the interpretation of provisions of such statute when conflicting judgments have been pronounced by the Supreme Administrative Court, the Supreme Civil and Criminal Court or the Court of Audit.
f) The settlement of controversies related to the designation of rules of international law as generally acknowledged in accordance with article 28 paragraph 1.
…
5. When a section of the Supreme Administrative Court or chamber of the Supreme Civil and Criminal Court or of the Court of Audit judges a provision of a statute to be contrary to the Constitution, it is bound to refer the question to the respective plenum, unless this has been judged by a previous decision of the plenum or of the Special Highest Court of this article. The plenum shall be assembled into judicial formation and shall decide definitively, as specified by law. This regulation shall also apply accordingly to the elaboration of regulatory decrees by the Supreme Administrative Court. (Art. 100) - Greek1. Συνιστάται Aνώτατο Eιδικό Δικαστήριο στο οποίο υπάγονται:
α) H εκδίκαση ενστάσεων κατά το άρθρο 58.
β) O έλεγχος του κύρους και των αποτελεσμάτων δημοψηφίσματος που ενεργείται κατά το άρθρο 44 παράγραφος 2.
γ) H κρίση για τα ασυμβίβαστα ή την έκπτωση βουλευτή, κατά τα άρθρα 55 παράγραφος 2 και 57.
δ) H άρση των συγκρούσεων μεταξύ των δικαστηρίων και των διοικητικών αρχών ή μεταξύ του Συμβουλίου της Eπικρατείας και των τακτικών διοικητικών δικαστηρίων αφενός και των αστικών και ποινικών δικαστηρίων αφετέρου ή, τέλος, μεταξύ του Eλεγκτικού Συνεδρίου και των λοιπών δικαστηρίων.
ε) H άρση της αμφισβήτησης για την ουσιαστική αντισυνταγματικότητα ή την έννοια διατάξεων τυπικού νόμου, αν εκδόθηκαν γι' αυτές αντίθετες αποφάσεις του Συμβουλίου της Eπικρατείας, του Aρείου Πάγου ή του Eλεγκτικού Συνεδρίου.
στ) H άρση της αμφισβήτησης για το χαρακτηρισμό κανόνων του διεθνούς δικαίου ως γενι- κά παραδεγμένων κατά την παράγραφο 1 του άρθρου 28.
…
5. Όταν τμήμα του Συμβουλίου της Επικρατείας ή του Αρείου Πάγου ή του Ελεγκτικού Συνεδρίου κρίνει διάταξη τυπικού νόμου αντισυνταγματική παραπέμπει υποχρεωτικά το ζήτημα στην οικεία ολομέλεια, εκτός αν αυτό έχει κριθεί με προηγούμενη απόφαση της ολομέλειας ή του Ανώτατου Ειδικού Δικαστηρίου του άρθρου αυτού. Η ολομέλεια συγκροτείται σε δικαστικό σχηματισμό και αποφαίνεται οριστικά, όπως νόμος ορίζει. Η ρύθμιση αυτή εφαρμόζεται αναλόγως και κατά την επεξεργασία των κανονιστικών διαταγμάτων από το Συμβούλιο της Επικρατείας. ('Αρθρο 100)
Jurisdiction and Access
- English1. While the Constitutional Court is not legally installed, the administration of justice in matters of a legal and constitutional nature continues to be carried out by the Supreme Court of Justice that shall have the power:
a) To review for constitutionality and legality pursuant to Articles 277 and others thereafter, except as foreseen in paragraph 1, subparagraph b) of Article 278;
b) To verify the death and declare the permanent physical or mental incapacity of the President of the Republic, as well as declare temporary impediments to the exercise of his or her duties;
c) To verify the loss of office of the President in cases of conviction of crimes committed in the exercise of functions and in other cases foreseen in the Constitution;
d) To verify the death and declare the incapacity for the exercise of the presidential function by any candidate for President of the Republic;
e) To verify preventively the constitutionality and legality of national and local referendum proposals;
f) To perform all other functions as may be assigned by the Constitution and by the law.
2. Both the Supreme Court of Justice and the Constitutional Court, specifically, in matters concerning electoral procedures, shall have the power:
a) To receive and admit nominations for President of the Republic;
b) To judge in the final instance the regularity and validity of electoral procedures, under the terms of the law;
c) To judge, at the request of their members and under the terms of the law, appeals related to the loss of office and to the elections held in the National Assembly, in the assemblies of local administrations and, in general, in any elective collegial organs foreseen in the Constitution;
d) To perform all other functions assigned by law.
3. Both the Supreme Court of Justice and the Constitutional Court, specifically in matters concerning political party organizations, shall have the power:
a) To verify the legality of the constitution of political parties and their coalitions, as well as to assess the legality of their names, abbreviations and symbols;
b) To ensure, maintain and update the registration of political parties and their coalitions, under the terms of the law;
c) To declare the illegality of political parties and their coalitions, and order their dissolution, under the terms of the Constitution and the law;
d) To judge the challenges encountered in elections and decisions of organs of political parties that, under the terms of the law, are subject to appeal;
e) To perform all other functions assigned by law. (Art. 294) - Portuguese1. Enquanto o Tribunal Constitucional não for legalmente instalado, a administração da justiça em matérias de natureza jurídico-constitucional continua a ser feita pelo Supremo Tribunal de Justiça, ao qual compete:
a) Fiscalizar a constitucionalidade e a legalidade nos termos dos artigos 277º e seguintes, excepto nos casos previstos no número 1, alínea b) do artigo 278º;
b) Verificar a morte e declarar a incapacidade física ou psíquica permanente do Presidente da República, bem como declarar os impedimentos temporários para o exercício das suas funções;
c) Verificar a perda do cargo do Presidente da República nos casos de condenação por crimes cometidos no exercício de funções e noutros previstos na Constituição;
d) Verificar a morte e declarar a incapacidade para o exercício da função presidencial de qualquer candidato a Presidente da República;
e) Verificar preventivamente a constitucionalidade e legalidade das propostas de referendo nacional e local;
f) Exercer as demais funções que lhe sejam atribuídas pela Constituição e pela lei.
2. Compete, ainda, ao Supremo Tribunal de Justiça enquanto Tribunal Constitucional, especificamente, em matéria de processo eleitoral:
a) Receber e admitir candidaturas para Presidente da República;
b) Julgar em última instância a regularidade e a validade dos actos de processo eleitoral, nos termos da lei;
c) Julgar, a requerimento dos respectivos membros e nos termos da lei, os recursos relativos a perda de mandato e às eleições realizadas na Assembleia Nacional, nas assembleias das autarquias locais e, no geral, em quaisquer órgãos colegiais electivos previstos na Constituição;
d) Exercer as demais funções atribuídas por lei.
3. Compete também ao Supremo Tribunal de Justiça, enquanto Tribunal Constitucional, especificamente, em matéria de organizações político-partidárias:
a) Verificar a legalidade da constituição de partidos politicos e suas coligações, bem como apreciar a legalidade das suas denominações, siglas e símbolos;
b) Assegurar, conservar e actualizar o registo dos partidos politicos e suas coligações, nos termos da lei;
c) Declarar a ilegalidade de partidos políticos e suas coligações, ordenando a respectiva extinção, nos termos da Constituição e da lei;
d) Julgar as acções de impugnação de eleições e deliberações de órgãos de partidos políticos que, nos termos da lei, sejam recorríveis;
e) Exercer as demais funções atribuídas por lei. (Art. 294)