Fundamental Laws of Spain: The Legal Framework

Spain's legal system rests on these core statutes:

1. Constitution of 1978 – Democratic monarchy, fundamental rights, autonomous communities.
2. Civil Code (1889, updated) – Personal law, property, contracts, inheritance.
3. Commercial Code (1885, updated) – Business entities, transactions, maritime law.
4. Criminal Code (1995, updated) – Offenses, penalties, procedural guarantees.
5. Workers' Statute (1995, updated) – Employment contracts, collective bargaining, social security.
6. General Tax Law (2003) – Tax framework, rights/obligations, procedures.
7. Civil Procedure Act (1881, updated) – Civil litigation rules.
8. Criminal Procedure Act (1882, updated) – Criminal process, investigation, trial.
9. Administrative Procedure Act (1992) – Government action, citizen rights.
10. Local Government Act (1985) – Municipal/provincial organization, powers.

EU regulations and directives also apply directly.