Most of the legal system of Lebanon is based on that of France, the former mandatory power until 1943. Lebanon gradually emerged from the French mandate granted by the League of Nations to France after the break-up of the Ottoman Empire in the wake of World War One. Lebanon is considered to be a civil law country and much of the law is codified. Precedent is however influential and cases of higher courts are cited in argument before the lower courts. Personal status matters are determined differently for each of the many different recognised religious communities.
In periods of Lebanon’s history the power of the central state has been very weak, however the ‘rule of law’ has historically been strong within the remit of each sectarian community.
Andrew Allen QC 