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Mali laws are formulated by the judiciary system of the country. Though new laws have been incorporated and implemented after independence, the basic legal framework still owes its inheritance to the French laws. The judicial system in Mali functions independently. The Ministry of Justice in Mali appoints judges who implement the laws. The Supreme Court in Mali has both judicial and administrative powers. The separate Constitutional Court and the High Court of Justice have the power to even try high level government bureaucrats in cases of serious offense.
Special laws and special provisions have been made for welfare and to safeguard the rights of Women and Children in Mali. Every citizen, according to Mali law has the right to education. Children within the age group of 14-16 years can work four and a half hours a day, with a prior permission from the labor commissioner. Children within the age group of 12-14 can work up to 2 hours a day only during school vacations, with prior parental approval. Mali laws condemn sexual violence against children. It is considered to be a heinous crime. Such offenses are punishable by 5 to 10 years of hard labor in custody. Extreme cases would result in 20 years of exile from the community.
There is a law in Mali pertaining to health that emphasizes on the equality of men and women in matters of sexual and reproductive health. It further states that men and women have equal rights to decide on the various family planning methods.
However, the Mali Judicial System is not without any flaws. The government is engaged in a constant effort to improve it and correct the flaws.
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