Understand the Legal System

The District Court, Supreme Court, and Court of Appeal are established under the District Court Act 2018, Supreme Court Act 2018, and Nauru Court of Appeal Act 2018. The Nauru Court of Appeal is the final appellate court of the Republic.

Naoero legal system

Nauru's courts operate under the Constitution and written laws, with vertical appeal from District Court to Supreme Court to the Nauru Court of Appeal.

According to the public History of the Judiciary, the legal framework was reorganised with separate statutes for the District Court, Supreme Court, and Court of Appeal in 2018. The Family Court is a division of the District Court.

Further detail to be confirmed by the Nauru Judiciary.

Criminal law

Criminal matters are heard in the District Court and Supreme Court according to jurisdiction conferred by the Constitution and written law.

Published criminal judgments are available via PacLII (Nauru Supreme Court and District Court databases).

Browse judgments

Civil law

The Supreme Court holds original and appellate civil jurisdiction under the Constitution and the Supreme Court Act 2018.

Civil divisions of the Supreme Court include commercial, probate, and miscellaneous matters as described on the public Supreme Court profile.

Family law

Family and matrimonial jurisdiction is exercised within the court structure, including the Family Court division of the District Court.

The public History page notes matrimonial and family matters within the appellate structure of the Nauru Court of Appeal.

Practice details to be confirmed by the Judiciary.