Citizenship and Naturalization in The Gambia

Refers to the act of disobeying or failing to carry out orders or directions given under a specific section of the constitution.

The penalty for violating the constitution depends on the person involved. The President or Vice President could be removed from office, while others could face penalties determined by the National Assembly.

This refers to the act of using violence or unlawful means to suspend, overthrow, or abolish the constitution, or attempting to do so.

Helping or supporting someone who is committing treason.

All citizens have the right and duty to protect the constitution, particularly by resisting any attempts to overthrow it using violence or unlawful means.

Citizens are allowed to resist attempts to overthrow the constitution using violence or unlawful means, and doing so is not considered an offense.

A person who resists the suspension, overthrow, or abrogation of the constitution, as allowed by law, commits no offense.

The constitution of a nation is a foundational document that outlines the structure and functions of the government.

A person applying for naturalization in The Gambia must be of legal age, have good character, show intent to reside permanently and be able to support themselves and their dependents.

The Secretary of State must provide reasons for rejecting a naturalization application.

Becoming a citizen of The Gambia requires renouncing other citizenship and taking an oath of allegiance to The Gambia.

A Gambian citizen who gains citizenship of another country can choose to keep their Gambian citizenship.

The Secretary of State can petition the High Court to revoke citizenship if the person obtained citizenship through registration or naturalization or voluntarily gained citizenship of another country through means other than marriage.

If someone is arrested or detained, they must be brought to trial within a reasonable time. Otherwise, they should be released.

A person unlawfully arrested or detained has the right to compensation from the person or authority responsible.

No person shall be forced to work without their consent, except in certain limited cases.

This exception allows for labor required by a court sentence or order or for the maintenance of detention facilities.

This exception permits labor required of detained individuals that is necessary for hygiene or maintenance.

Military service is a valid reason for requiring labor, even for those with conscientious objections.

In emergencies or calamities, certain labor might be required for the safety of the community.

This exception covers labor required as part of normal community or civic duties.

No one can be tried twice for the same crime, even if new evidence comes to light. This prevents double jeopardy, ensuring fairness in the legal system.

This section protects against being tried for a crime if you've already been pardoned for it. It's about forgiveness and moving on from past offenses.

A person accused of a crime cannot be forced to testify against themselves during the trial. It's based on the idea that everyone has the right to remain silent.

Someone charged with a serious crime in the High Court has the option to have their case decided by a jury of their peers.

The law can't force a person accused of a crime to prove their innocence. The burden of proof rests on the prosecution to prove guilt.

The law can impose reasonable conditions for paying witnesses called by the defendant. This helps ensure fair access to witnesses for all.

Everyone is equal before the law, regardless of their personal characteristics.

Laws cannot discriminate against people based on things like race, gender, religion, or social status.

No one should be unfairly treated by officials or public authorities due to their background or characteristics.

Different treatment based on race, color, gender, etc., that disadvantages certain people compared to others.

Court procedures should accommodate the needs of people with disabilities.

Individuals are free to practice their culture, language, religion, etc., as long as it doesn't harm others or the nation.

Court procedures should take into account the specific situation of a disabled person to ensure fairness.

The constitution is the supreme law of the land, limiting the power of the government and guaranteeing fundamental rights.

A time when The Gambia is at war, or when a declaration under section 34 is in effect.

It means not following a rule, including failing to comply with a requirement.

Any court in The Gambia, except district tribunals and most courts under service law.

The Gambia's naval, military, or air forces.

People subject to the discipline of a defence force, including those regulated by law.

Includes anyone who has lost rights or interests due to Section 22.

The laws governing the discipline of the defence force, police force, prison service, and disciplined volunteers.

In specific sections about offences against service law, 'court' includes courts constituted by or under service law and certain officers of the defence force and police.