Myanmar

Myanmar, which is also known as Burma, is located in Southeast Asia. The military authorities have promoted Myanmar as the name for their country, however, the US Government has not adopted the name and refers to the nation as Burma.  The population as of 2017 is approximately 54 million. The capital city is Naypyidaw, and Yangon is the largest city.

The country is divided into seven states, which were previously referred to as divisions. The constitution was drafted by military rulers, and is the third constitution written in the country since it gained independence. A parliamentary system with bicameral legislature is called the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw.

The British ruled Myanmar in the 19th century, following three Anglo-Burmese Wars. The country won independence from Britain in 1948, after being a self-governing colony since 1937.  In the years after independence, General Ne Win came to dominate the government from 1962 to 1988 as a military ruler, president, and then a political kingpin.  He resigned in response to civil unrest in 1988, but the military quickly crushed the student protests and took back power.

Elections in 1990 resulted in the National League for Democracy winning in a major victory.  However, the military junta did not hand over power, instead placing Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest for years between the late 80’s through 2010.  Along with this injustice, the country has been marred by other Human Rights violations including childsoldiers, human trafficking, genocide, and state riots. Human rights reforms in 2011, however, have led to some improvements in these areas. Myanmar has belonged to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations since 1997.

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the country. It is the final court of appeal under the Constitution of Myanmar. The court has 7 to 11 judges appointed to sit on the bench, as well as the Chief Justice.  Justices are nominated by the president and approved by the lower house, and serve until the mandatory retirement age of 70.  Subordinate courts include regional courts, district and township courts, and special courts that handle traffic, municipal and juvenile offenses. 

Visitors to the National Law Review can read the latest news, international stories, and topics relating to Myanmar and its international relations online. Topics including international sanctions, fraud, cybersecurity concerns, and international money laundering cases, are among the topics covered.