The Czech Republic is a landlocked European country bordered by Germany, Austria, Poland, and Slovakia. The country has a total of approximately 10.6 million residents, living in the unitary parliamentary republic. Prague is both the capital and largest city, with nearly 1.5 million residents living in the city. The Czech Republic is a member of the EU, NATO, OSCE, and Council of Europe. The developed country is considered a social market economy, which is based in the services industry, innovation, and in manufacturing. Tuition-free education and universal healthcare are also provided to the residents of the Czech Republic.

The Czech Republic was originally formed in the 9th century under the name of  Duchy of Bohemia, by the Great Moravian Empire.  Following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I, the Czech lands became an industrial monarchy/powerhouse, and in 1918, the core of Czechoslovakia was formed. On Jan. 1, 1993, Czechoslovakia peacefully dissolved, and constituent states became known as Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The country has a pluralist multi-party democracy with the President serving as head of state and the Prime Minister as head of government. The President also appoints the President and Vice President of the Supreme Court; as well as the Prime Minister and cabinet members. Milos Zeman is the current President, and Andrej Babis is the current Prime Minister. The country is a unitary state which follows a civil law system, based on the Germanic legal culture.

The economy is a highly-developed, high-income, export oriented social market economy. Services, manufacturing, innovation, are among the leading sectors in economic-development. The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union economy but uses its own currency; in 2018, the country’s 2.4% unemployment rate was the lowest in the EU, and poverty rate is second lowest according to the OECD, only behind Denmark. Germany is the largest import and export trading partner, and the country has completely open border policies, for import/export trade with other countries in Europe and around the world.

Czech Republic Judicial System

The Constitution of the Czech Republic outlines the role of the judiciary in Chapter Four; stating that the main job of the courts of law is the protection of rights as defined by legislation.  Chapter Four also gives the courts the responsibility to determine guilt and the penalty for criminal cases.  Courts are independent, but administered by the Ministry of Justice. The Czech Republic has a four-tier system of courts, and two-instance proceedings. 

Visitors to the National Law Review can read about the latest developments in the Czech Republic in relations to trade, administrative news, and international affairs. Dealings within the EU, Fintech opportunities, data security and privacy, investment opportunities, M&A deals, insolvency laws, and new legislation in the country, are among the stories covered by the National Law Review. Visitors can find the latest news and stories about the country, and its international affairs with the EU, the US, and around the world.