General Practice Law at Gambia
General practice law in The Gambia operates within a mixed legal system that integrates English common law, statutory law, customary law, and Sharia law. This framework influences various aspects of legal practice in the country.
⚖️ Legal System Overview
English Common Law: Inherited from the colonial era, English common law principles continue to influence the Gambian legal system.
Statutory Law: Laws enacted by the Gambian legislature form a significant part of the legal framework.
Customary Law: Traditional laws and practices play a significant role in resolving disputes, especially in rural areas.
Sharia Law: For the Muslim population, Islamic law governs personal matters such as marriage, inheritance, and family disputes.
The legal system is further characterized by the coexistence of Regular Courts and Special Courts. Regular Courts handle legal disputes based on state laws, while Special Courts address cases that may not necessarily apply state laws, often dealing with matters of national security or political sensitivity.
🧑⚖️ Admission to Practice Law
To practice law in The Gambia, an individual must
Obtain a Law Degree:Complete a law degree from a recognized institution
Enroll in the Gambia Law School:The Gambia Law School, established in 2011 and officially recognized in 2016, is the institution responsible for training individuals seeking to become legal practitioners The school is supervised by the General Legal Council, which regulates admission to legal practice in the country
Complete the Bar Course:Undergo professional legal training, including coursework and examinations, as part of the Bar Course offered by the Gambia Law School
Call to the Bar:Upon successful completion of the Bar Course, candidates are formally admitted to the legal profession during a Call to the Bar ceremony For instance, in December 2023, 27 new lawyers were enrolled by the General Legal Council
🏛️ Legal Practice Areas
Lawyers in The Gambia commonly offer services i:
Corporate and Commercial Law Business formation, mergers, and complianc.
Civil Litigation Dispute resolution in matters such as contracts, torts, and propert.
Criminal Defense Representation in criminal case.
Family Law Handling issues related to marriage, divorce, and inheritance, with considerations for customary and Islamic law.
Labor and Employment Law Advising on employment rights and dispute.
Land and Property Law Assisting with land ownership, leasing, and property right.
📌 Legal Assistance
For more detailed information or assistance, you may consider contacting the Gambia Law School or consulting with local law firms specializing in general practice law.
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