Brunei
2026
- GOVERNMENT
- Constitutional Sultanate
- CONSTITUTION
- September 29, 1959
- LEGAL SYSTEM
- based on Islamic law and English common law; note - in May 2014, part of the Sharia penal code was established, which is applied alongside common law to both Muslims and Non-Muslims
- LEGISLATIVE SYSTEM
- The Legislative Council met for the first time in 20 years on September 25, 2004, with 21 members appointed by the Sultan. They voted on constitutional amendments calling for a 45-seat council with 15 elected members; the Sultan dissolved the council on September 1, 2005, and appointed a new one with 29 members.
- JUDICIAL SYSTEM
- Supreme Court, judges appointed for three years by the Sultan. The final court of appeal in civil cases is the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London. Sharia Courts handle Islamic law
RELIGIONS
67% Muslims; 13% Buddhists; 10% Christians; 10% Other
From the country
- JANUARY 1, 2020BruneiDEATH PENALTY
The death penalty is mandatory for murder
The death penalty is mandatory for murder
- MAY 6, 2019BruneiDEATH PENALTY
BRUNEI 'WILL NOT ENFORCE GAY DEATH PENALTY AFTER GLOBAL BACKLASH'
Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has said gay sex will not be punished with the death penalty after he faced global backlash over the incoming legislation, the Evening Standard reported on 5 May 2019.
- APRIL 2, 2019BruneiDEATH PENALTY
ELTON JOHN ALIGNES WITH GEORGE CLOONEY'S BOYCOTT OF BRUNEI-OWNED HOTELS
Elton John has aligned with George Clooney’s boycott of Brunei-owned luxury hotels after the Asian nation passed strict “Sharia law” that would allow for the stoning death of LGBTQ people.
- MARCH 29, 2019BruneiDEATH PENALTY
BRUNEI TO PUNISH GAY SEX AND ADULTERY WITH DEATH BY STONING
A new law which comes into effect from next week will punish homosexual sex and adultery with death in the small southeast Asian kingdom of Brunei.
- JANUARY 1, 2019BruneiDEATH PENALTY
The death penalty is mandatory for murder
The death penalty is mandatory for murder
- JANUARY 1, 2018BruneiDEATH PENALTY
The death penalty is mandatory for murder
The death penalty is mandatory for murder
- FEBRUARY 13, 2017BruneiDEATH PENALTY
Malaysian national was sentenced for drug trafficking
13 February 2017: Malaysian national was sentenced for drug trafficking.
- JANUARY 1, 2017BruneiDEATH PENALTY
The death penalty is mandatory for murder
The death penalty is mandatory for murder
- FEBRUARY 28, 2016BruneiDEATH PENALTY
HIS Majesty said it will be 2018 by the time the third phase of the Syariah law can be enforced.Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah,
HIS Majesty said it will be 2018 by the time the third phase of the Syariah law can be enforced.Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah,
- JANUARY 1, 2016BruneiDEATH PENALTY
The death penalty is mandatory for murder
The death penalty is mandatory for murder
- JANUARY 1, 2015BruneiDEATH PENALTY
The death penalty is mandatory for murder
The death penalty is mandatory for murder
MAY 1, 2014BruneiDEATH PENALTYBRUNEI: NEW SHARIA PENAL CODE CAME INTO FORCE
the new Sharia Penal Code of Brunei Darussalam came into force, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah stated in a royal