Laws in Syria

The legal system in Syria is based on a combination of civil law principles, Islamic jurisprudence, and legislative frameworks enacted by the Syrian state. Over the years, Syria has developed a structured legal framework governing civil rights, criminal matters, commercial activity, personal status, and administrative functions. 

Although shaped by historical influences and modern reforms, the country’s laws continue to evolve in response to political, social, and economic developments. Understanding the foundations of the Syrian legal system is essential for anyone engaging in governmental, commercial, or personal affairs within the country.

Legal System Overview

Syria’s legal system follows a civil law tradition, heavily influenced by the French legal model. Laws are codified into organized statutes that outline rights, obligations, and procedures for individuals and institutions.

The Syrian Constitution serves as the supreme legal reference and establishes the structure of government, the separation of powers, and citizens’ fundamental rights. It outlines the roles of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches and guarantees aspects such as national sovereignty, equality before the law, and access to justice.

Judicial Structure

Syria maintains a multi-tiered judiciary designed to handle a broad spectrum of cases. The system includes:

  • Courts of First Instance for civil, criminal, and commercial disputes.
  • Administrative Courts responsible for cases involving government entities.
  • Personal Status Courts, which handle family matters such as marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance, governed primarily by Islamic law for Muslims and separate religious laws for Christian communities.
  • The Court of Cassation, serving as the highest judicial authority for appeals and legal interpretation.
  • Military Courts, established to handle military-related offenses and specific security cases.

Major Legal Codes in Syria

The legal environment is largely organized through major codified laws, including:

  • The Civil Code, which regulates contracts, property rights, obligations, and personal rights.
  • The Penal Code, establishing criminal offenses and corresponding penalties.
  • The Commercial Code, covering trade, company formation, intellectual property, and financial regulations.
  • The Labor Law, outlining employment rights, workplace regulations, and employer–employee obligations.
  • The Personal Status Law, governing marriage, divorce, guardianship, and inheritance for Muslims, with separate church-based laws for Christians.
These codes serve as the main references for legal professionals and the courts.

Key Legal Principles

Syria’s legal system operates on several foundational principles:

  • Equality before the law for all citizens.
  • Protection of personal freedoms within constitutional boundaries.
  • State supervision of public order, economic activity, and administrative procedures.
  • Judicial independence as outlined in the Constitution, though influenced by security-related structures.

Recent Reforms and Developments

In recent years, Syria has introduced legal amendments in areas such as investment, economic recovery, anti-terrorism legislation, and administrative modernization. Notable updates include:

  • Reforms to investment laws to attract foreign and local investors.
  • Adjustments to tax regulations supporting economic stabilization efforts.
  • Modernization of personal status laws, including revisions affecting guardianship and marriage age.
  • New regulations governing NGOs and civil society organizations.
These reforms aim to adapt Syria’s legal framework to current realities while strengthening governance and institutional capacity.