Botswana's legal system is based on Roman-Dutch common law and customary law. The National Assembly is the only body that can pass laws in Botswana.
Sources of law
Roman-Dutch common law: A combination of Roman-Dutch law and English common law
Customary law: A combination of indigenous systems of law used by ethnic groups in Botswana
Legislation: Laws passed by the National Assembly
Judicial decisions: Decisions made by the courts
How laws are passed
- The government usually initiates new legislation in the form of government bills
- A bill is a proposed law or an amendment to an existing law
Civil and political rights Political freedom, Speech and expression, Due process and punishment, and Labour rights.
Rule of law
- The rule of law should prioritize the interests and welfare of all citizens
- Those who govern and those who are governed should be subject to the same laws
New legislation
You can search for new legislation in Botswana on the e-Laws website at www.elaws.gov.bw.