The Rule of Law Quick Scan in Yemen: Prospects and Challenges

This document is part of HiiL’s Rule of Law Quick Scan Series. Each Quick Scan provides a brief overview of the status of rule of law in a country.  The following research examines Yemen's legal system.

Although derived from pluralistic sources, the formal legal system in Yemen has developed into a single unified body of law (qânûn, code). As a result of the codification process from the 1970s onwards, Yemeni qânûn incorporates elements from shari`a, customary/tribal laws (`urf qabalî), excerpts from Egyptian and other Arab laws, and international principles. These various elements can be seen in Yemen’s fundamental codes (the Yemeni Constitution, the Personal Status Code, the Civil Code, the Criminal Code, and the Arbitration Code).

The Hague Institute for the Internationalisation of Law (HiiL) 2012

HiiL is an independent research and advisory institute devoted to promoting a deeper understanding and more transparent and effective implementation of justice and the rule of law, worldwide.