Member State of the Arab League The judicial system of Syria is a synthesis of Ottoman, French, and Islamic laws.
[1] The Islamic religious courts continue to function in some parts of the country, but their jurisdiction is limited to issues of personal status, such as marriage, divorce, paternity, custody of children, and inheritance.
[1] The independence of the judiciary is guaranteed by president in his role as chairman of the High Judicial Council, according to Article 131 of the constitution.
[2] Such appeals are difficult to win because the courts do not provide verbatim transcripts of cases—only summaries prepared by the presiding judges.
[2] There were continuing reports that the Government operates military field courts in locations outside established courtrooms.
[2] Both courts operate under the state of emergency, not ordinary law, and do not observe constitutional provisions safeguarding defendants' rights.