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The Niger Laws were established with the adoption of a new constitution by referendum in December 1992. The Supreme Court of Niger is regarded as the prime judicial body of the State in judicial, administrative and financial matters. There are several other judicial sections to take care of the Niger Laws. In the matter of jurisdiction over the constitutional and electoral matters, the responsibility lies on the Constitutional Court. The Constitutional Court is vested on the responsibility for ruling on the constitutionality of laws and ordinances. It also takes the responsibility to comply with the international treaties and agreements. The Court is comprised of 7 members.
The High Court of Justice takes the cases of the crimes or violations of law inflicted by the Government officials in the operation of their office. The Deputies elected from within the National Assembly comprise the High Court of Justice.
The traditional chiefs have exercised their power in the customary law cases. They can act as mediators and counselors. Under the national law of Niger, the traditional chiefs are deputed as auxiliaries to the local officials. The chiefs are imposed the duties of collecting taxes. They receive their stipends from the Government of Niger. Though they take part in the judicial matters, the chiefs have no police or judicial powers. They can act merely as mediators. They cannot even arbitrate the customary law disputes.
The Customary Courts are mostly situated in large towns and cities. Regarding the cases involving divorce or inheritance, these courts take actions. A legal practitioner with basic legal training heads such a court. But these Customary Courts are not regulated by the Laws of Niger. Those accused in these courts can appeal in the Supreme Court. The foreigners undergo the same Niger Laws as the local citizens of Niger.
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