The legal system of the Republic of Mauritius derives from both French and English sources. During the French rule (1715 until 1810) the Island's system was governed by the French Napoleonic Code which remained in force under the British rule with subsequent amendments in civil and criminal procedural laws and company law.
Mauritius, therefore, enjoys a hybrid legal system combining both the civil and common law practices. Though being a Republic, Mauritius still remains a member of the Commonwealth and the right of appeal to the Privy Council is preserved.
The Republic of Mauritius, a presidential democracy modelled on the British system of parliamentary democracy, guarantees the separation of the legislative, executive and judicial powers.
The President is the head of state and Commander-in-Chief, while the Prime Minister has full executive power and is the head of Government. The sixty-two members of the National Assembly are elected every five years by universal adult suffrage. All major political parties are represented, reflecting the depth of democracy prevailing in Mauritius. Parliament is the legislative authority in Mauritius.
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