Law of Azerbaijan

The legal system of Azerbaijan is based on civil law.^[1] As the country was a republic of the Soviet Union until 1991, its legal history has also been influenced heavily by socialist law. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan became independent by enactment of the constitutional act of national independence on 18 October 1991.^[2] Azerbaijan adopted a Constitution in 1995 which is the foundation of the legislative system of the modern country.^[3]

Under the Constitution, there is nominally a system of presidential republic with a separation of powers among the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of the government.^[4] However, power in Azerbaijan is firmly in the hands of the executive.^[5] The legislature is de facto powerless.^[5]