Legal framework

Independence of justice

Judicial power is largely independent in Spain; however, it was affected by the Basque county terrorism to the extent that judiciary employees and policemen were the target of the separatist group ETA.

Equal treatment of nationals and foreigners

Foreign nationals can expect an impartial proceeding in judicial matters.

The language of justice

Spanish.

Having recourse to an interpreter

Possible but only those selected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Sources of the law and legal similarities

Spanish laws' foundations are in the 1978 Constitution, then in the Community Directives from 1986. The judicial system of the county is based on a civil right system with regional variations. Spain accepts the mandatory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) with reservations.

Consulting national laws online

Derecho.com
1978 Constitution in English