Establishment of the Fourth Republic Judiciary in Niger

The Judiciary of Niger was formally established with the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999, marking a significant evolution in the country's legal framework. The constitution, originally adopted in December 1992, underwent revisions through national referendums, first on May 12, 1996, and subsequently on July 18, 1999, leading to the current constitutional provisions. The judicial system is rooted in the Code Napoleon 'Inquisitorial system', which was introduced during the French colonial period and has been adapted from the 1960 Constitution of Niger. The judiciary comprises several key components: the Court of Appeals, which addresses both factual and legal questions; the Supreme Court, which oversees the application of law and constitutional matters; and the High Court of Justice (HCJ), which handles cases involving senior government officials. Additionally, the justice system includes civil criminal courts, customary courts, traditional mediation, and a military court. Notably, while the military court offers the same rights as civil criminal courts, customary courts do not extend the same protections. Importantly, military courts are restricted from trying civilians, ensuring a clear distinction between military and civilian judicial processes.