This Country Profile provides a basic overview of the legal history and institutional structures of the Commonwealth of Dominica, based on research produced by the Library of Congress. Under Dominica's Constitution, Islamic law (sharīʿa or fiqh) has no legal status.
Country Background
Dominica is an island nation located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, halfway between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago. The capital of Dominica is Roseau. The official language is English, though French is used widely as well. The country's population in 2017 was approximately 73,897 people. Dominica is a predominantly Christian country, with about 91% of the population Christian.
Constitution & Legal Structure
Dominica declared its independence from the United Kingdom in 1978. Dominica adopted its current Constitution in 1978, which was amended most recently in 2014. Dominica is referred to as a parliamentary republic, in which sovereignty belongs to the people and the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. The system of government is based on principles of separation and checks and balances and has three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The legal system of Dominica is a common law system based on the English model.
Constitutional Status of Islamic Law
Islamic law has no constitutional status in Dominica.
Jurisdiction(s) of Islamic Law
Islamic law has no official jurisdiction of operation in Dominica.
Dominant School of Islamic Law
Dominica has no official school of Islamic law.
Sources of Law for Legal Research
Official Publications
Unofficial Databases
References:
For an extended list of legal resources for this country, see the Library of Congress’s Research Guide. The Constitution is available in the LOC Guide in its original language and at Constitute in English. For full versions of past constitutions, amendments, and related legislation, see HeinOnline World Constitutions Illustrated or Oxford Constitutions of the World [subscription required for each].