TOPIC
|
COUNTRY FACTS: INFORMATION ABOUT CUBA
|
 |
Within the framework of a socialist republic, Cuba is constitutionally
defined as a “socialist state guided by the principles of José Martí,
and political ideas of Marx, Engels and Lenin.” Ascribed role of
the Communist Party of Cuba is to be the “leading force of society
and of the state.” As of 2008, Cuba is the only non-electoral
democracy of the Americas. Executive power is exercised by the
Government, and represented by Council of State and Council of
Ministers. Legislative power is exercised through the unicameral
National Assembly of People’s Power, and constituted as maximum
authority of the state. People’s Supreme Court is the highest
judicial body. The constitution states that all legally recognized
civil liberties can be denied to any-one who opposes a "decision of
the Cuban people to build socialism." Cuban courts are organized
into 3 tiers: National (Supreme Court), Provincial and Municipal
(similar to Governmental divisions). Most civil and criminal cases
tried at municipal/provincial levels are adjudicated by a panel of
2 lay judges/1 professional judge. Cases that involve a potential
sentence >8 years or complex civil law issues are heard at
provincial/supreme levels by a panel of 2 lay judges/3 professional
judges. All judge positions are elected by the Legislative Assembly.
For more interesting information on Government, click here.
|
|
