Main Sources of Law in Cameroon

Cameroon's legal system is a hybrid of civil law (French), common law (English), and customary law. The hierarchy:

1. The Constitution (1996, amended 2008) — Supreme law. Establishes separation of powers, fundamental rights, decentralization, Constitutional Council.
2. Acts of Parliament (Laws) — Passed by National Assembly + Senate; promulgated by President. Cover criminal, civil, commercial, labor, electoral, etc.
3. Decrees & Orders — Executive instruments:
   • Presidential decrees (appointments, treaties, regulations)
   • Prime Ministerial orders (administrative)
   • Ministerial orders (sectoral)
   Must conform to Constitution & laws.
4. International Law — Monist system: ratified treaties (UN, AU, OHADA, CEMAC, Commonwealth) have direct effect. Key: African Charter on Human Rights, CEDAW, CRC, Geneva Conventions.
5. Customary Law — Recognized for personal status (marriage, inheritance, land tenure) among 250+ ethnic groups. Applied by traditional courts; subject to Constitution & repugnancy test.

Judicial Structure

• Supreme Court (highest judicial)
• Constitutional Council (constitutionality)
• Courts of Appeal (10 regions)
• High Courts / Courts of First Instance
• Customary Courts (chefferies)
• Military Tribunal

OHADA uniform acts (business law) override national law in 17 African states including Cameroon.