1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Structure of the legal system
Kazakhstan is a unitary state, and every piece of legislation
adopted by relevant bodies of the state applies within its entire
territory. Kazakhstan's legal system is based on civil law and
the traditions of continental European legal systems.
Kazakhstan's legal system has broad similarities with the
Russian legal system due to a common history within the former
USSR, particularly when it comes to civil law.
Kazakhstan's legislation comprises the Constitution, laws
issued by the Parliament, edicts of the president, resolutions and
orders of the central government or its subdivisions, and
resolutions of local municipalities, all placed in a hierarchical
order in terms of legal force. International treaties ratified by
Kazakhstan have priority over domestic legislation and apply
directly, except where such treaties require the adoption of a
domestic law for their implementation.
