Legal System

Panama is a civil law country meaning that the organization of the legal system is derived from the Spanish Civil Code rather than English common law.

Civil law, also called Continental law or Romano-Germanic law, is the most prevalent legal system in the world. The main difference between civil and common law is that that common law draws abstract rules from specific cases, whereas civil law starts with abstract rules, which judges must then apply to the various cases before them. In other words, historically speaking, common law is based upon traditions and laws are codified following court rulings. On the other hand, in the case of civil law, laws are first codified and then applied. There are a number of civil codes besides the Napoleonic code.

Latest news

• UN SC meets tomorrow in emergency session - B92

  
  Google News - Panama
  17-February-2008

  UN SC meets tomorrow in emergency sessionB92, Serbia - 3 hours ago... diplomats and has scheduled a meeting, said Angelica Jacome, a spokeswoman for the current council president, Panama's UN Ambassador Ricardo Arias. ...

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• Stiles edges Smail for title in rain-shortened New Zealand PGA - PGA.com

  
  Google News - Panama
  17-February-2008

  Javno.hrStiles edges Smail for title in rain-shortened New Zealand PGAPGA.com - 5 hours ago2008 Panama Movistar Championship winner Scott Dunlap and 2008 Mexico Open champion Jarrod Lyle both finished tied for 15th place. ...Stiles reigns in NZ PGA of Australiaall 130 news articles

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• Bay High Students Jump on "Smile Train" - WJHG-TV

  
  Google News - Panama
  17-February-2008

  Bay High Students Jump on "Smile Train"WJHG-TV, FL - 8 hours agoThe Bay High School National Honor Society set up a booth at the Panama City Mall Saturday to raise money for the "Smile Train." It's an organization that ...

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