Law.co.tz
Tanzania Legal Information & Justice Resource
About This SiteThis is an independent educational and reference resource dedicated to helping people understand the law, legal structures, and access to justice across the United Republic of Tanzania. We are not a law firm and do not provide personalised legal advice — our purpose is to present clear, reliable information about how the legal system works, and how technology is transforming it for everyone.Sources of Tanzanian LawOur legal system follows the Common Law tradition, inherited and adapted since independence, with four main sources:1. The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, 1977: The supreme law of the land — all other laws must align with it. It establishes the separation of powers and guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms.
2. Statutes / Acts of Parliament: Laws passed by the Union Parliament and the Zanzibar House of Representatives.
3. Judicial Precedent: Decisions of higher courts that guide rulings in similar cases.
4. Customary Law and Islamic Law: Applicable in appropriate matters such as family, inheritance and personal status, where recognised .There is a dual jurisdiction arrangement: separate legal and court structures operate for Mainland Tanzania and for Zanzibar, while the Court of Appeal serves the whole Union .Structure of the CourtsSuperior Courts- Court of Appeal of the United Republic: Highest court for civil and criminal appeals across both mainland and islands .
- High Court: Has unlimited original jurisdiction and hears appeals from lower courts. Mainland has specialised divisions: Commercial, Land, Labour, and Corruption & Economic Crimes. Zanzibar has its own High Court, also developing a Commercial Division .Subordinate Courts- Resident Magistrates’ Courts
- District Courts
- Primary Courts: The lowest tier, handling smaller civil and less serious criminal matters .Other Bodies: Include tribunals such as the Tax Revenue Appeals Tribunal, Fair Competition Tribunal, plus systems for arbitration, mediation and out‑of‑court settlement.The Legal Profession- Advocates: Only those enrolled on the Roll of Advocates and holding a valid practising certificate can represent clients in court. Governed by the Advocates Act and rules of professional conduct .
- Tanganyika Law Society: The statutory professional body regulating advocates on the mainland; Zanzibar has its own Bar Association.
- Key Offices: Attorney General, Director of Public Prosecutions, Government Chief Legal Advisor.Key Areas of Law- Constitutional & Administrative Law: Governance, powers
