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Constitution of the Republic of Benin

Latest Version in WIPO Lex

Year of Version 1990

Dates

Entry into force: December 10, 1990

Adopted: December 10, 1990

Type of Text Constitution/Basic Law

Subject Matter Other

Notes The Benin Constitution is the supreme law of Benin. It was adopted by Law No. 90-32 of December 11, 1990 after a popular referendum was held on December 2, 1990.

Benin is a parliamentary democracy.
The Constitution specifies the powers and duties of the three branches of the Government.
The legislative, executive and judicial powers are independent from each other.
The executive powers are entrusted to the President of the Republic.
The legislative powers are exercised by the Parliament and its General Assembly.
The judicial powers are attributed to the courts and tribunals of Benin, and the decisions are enforced according to the interest of the people of Benin.

The Benin legal system belongs to the civil law tradition, under which its core principles are codified into codes that serve as the primary source of law. The civil law system in Benin is influenced by French law and customary law of Benin.

The Constitution does not contain provisions on intellectual property. However, Article 22 protects private property and stipulates that: “Everyone has the right to property. No one can be deprived of its property except if is for a public utility and through a just and prior compensation”.

Available Texts

Main text(s)

English Constitution of the Republic of Benin PDF HTML

French Constitution de la République du Benin PDF HTML

WIPO Lex No. BJ001