The Government does not use forced exile as a means of political control. The 1996 Constitution provides for an independent judiciary assured by the President. The High Council, made up of four members appointed by the President, three members elected by the Federal Assembly, and a member of each island council, also serves as the High Court of Justice and rules on cases of constitutional law. The Constitution provides for equality before the law of all citizens. It does not mention the right to counsel.
Trials are open to the public except for limited exceptions defined by law.
The legal system incorporates Islamic law as well as French legal codes. There are very few lawyers in the country, making it difficult to obtain legal representation. The Government does not provide free legal counsel to the accused. Most disputes are settled by village elders or by a civilian court of first instance. In September 1996, a man who had allegedly murdered a pregnant woman in front of several witnesses was found guilty in a public, 2-day trial before a lay penal court.