What is a Constitution
A set of fundamental principles according to which a State is governed
Codified constitution
When the principles are written down in a single comprehensive document
3 main organs of the state
- legislative
- Executive
- Judiciary
Legislative branch
A deliberative assembly with the authority to make laws
Executive branch
Executes and enforces the law
Judiciary branch
Interprets and applies the law in the name of the state and has the power to change laws
Parliament of Malta consists of:
- The president
- House of Representatives
Parliament
The power of parliament to make laws shall be exercised by bills passed by the House of Representatives and assented by the president
White papers
A tool of democracy, presenting potential government policies and inviting opinions upon them
Parliamentary procedures of a bill
- First reading
- Second reading
- Committee stage
- Third reading
What are the 2 legal instruments
- Primary legislation
- Secondary/delegated legislation
Organisation of the courts
Courts are divided into superior and inferior courts. Judge sits in superior court
The 5 Superior courts
- The constitutional court
- The court of appeal
- The civil court
- The court of criminal appeal
- The criminal court
Inferior courts
- Court of magistrates
A. Civil jurisdiction
B. Criminal jurisdiction
