The Council of Twelve is elected by the Great and General Council for the duration of the Legislature and serves as a jurisdictional body that also acts as a third-instance Court of Appeals. Two government inspectors represent the State in financial and patrimonial questions. The Legislative body consists of the Great and General Council, the parliament, and a unilateral Chamber. The members of parliament are usually elected every 5 years and they are in charge of legislation, justice, and the administration of jurisdiction. In addition, they are tasked with electing the Captains Regent, the State Congress, the Council of Twelve, the Advising Commission, and the Government Unions once the Council nominates them.
Parliament also has the power to ratify contracts with other countries.
The parliament is divided into five different Advising Commissions consisting of 15 councils which examine, propose, and discuss implementation of new laws that are on their way to being submitted to the Great and General Council. The judicial system of San Marino is entrusted to foreign executives, both for historical and social reasons. The only native judges are the Justices of the Peace, who handle only civil cases where sums involved do not exceed 25 million lire. The Council of Twelve serves as an appeals court in the third instance. The Consulate General in Washington, DC is located at 1899 L Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036.