Sources of Law in Malaysia

Federal Constitution: The supreme law of Malaysia, outlining the structure of government and fundamental rights.
Legislation: Statutes enacted by Parliament or state assemblies; includes Acts, Ordinances, and By-Laws.
Common Law: Based on judicial decisions and precedents from English law; applicable where there is no local legislation.
Islamic Law: Applies to Muslims in personal matters; derived from the Quran and Hadith.
Customary Law: Local customs recognized as law, particularly in indigenous communities.

Supreme Court: The highest court, consisting of the Chief Justice and other judges; hears appeals from lower courts.
Court of Appeal: Reviews decisions from the High Court; handles significant civil and criminal cases.
High Court: Divided into two: Civil and Criminal; has jurisdiction over serious cases and appeals from subordinate courts.
Sessions Courts: Handles less serious criminal and civil cases; has limited jurisdiction.
Magistrates' Courts: Deals with minor criminal and civil cases; first level of the judicial system.
Specialized Courts: Includes Syariah Courts (Islamic law) and Industrial Courts (labor disputes).

Fundamental Liberties: Rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Federal Constitution (e.g., freedom of speech, assembly).
Separation of Powers: Distinction between the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches.
Federalism: Division of powers between the federal government and state governments; states have their own laws.
Amendments: Constitution can be amended, but certain provisions require greater majority approval.

Civil Law: Governs disputes between individuals or entities; includes tort, contract, and family law.
Criminal Law: Concerned with offenses against the state; includes felonies and misdemeanors.
Burden of Proof: In civil cases, the burden is on the plaintiff; in criminal cases, it lies with the prosecution.
Penalties: Criminal law prescribes penalties including fines, imprisonment, and community service.

Legal Aid: Systems in place to provide free or affordable legal assistance to those in need.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Mechanisms like mediation and arbitration to resolve disputes outside of court.
International Law: Malaysia is a signatory to various international treaties, influencing domestic law.
Enforcement Agencies: Institutions such as the police, Attorney General's Chambers, and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission play crucial roles in upholding laws.

Federal Constitution: Serves as Malaysia's highest legal authority, delineating government structure and enshrining fundamental rights for citizens.
Legislation: Comprises statutes made by Parliament and state assemblies, including Acts, Ordinances, and By-Laws that govern various aspects of life.
Common Law: Derives from judicial rulings and precedents established in English law; applicable in areas not covered by local statutes.
Islamic Law: Specifically applies to Muslims, governing personal matters based on teachings from the Quran and Hadith.
Customary Law: Recognized local customs, particularly among indigenous communities, function as binding legal norms.

Supreme Court: Malaysia's apex court with a Chief Justice and judges; primarily hears appeals from lower courts.
Court of Appeal: Reviews High Court decisions, focusing on significant civil and criminal matters.
High Court: Split into Civil and Criminal divisions; has authority over serious cases and appeals emanating from subordinate courts.
Sessions Courts: Address less serious criminal and civil cases with restricted powers.
Magistrates' Courts: The entry-level courts for minor criminal and civil disputes.
Specialized Courts: Includes Syariah Courts for Islamic matters and Industrial Courts for labor-related disputes.

Fundamental Liberties: Constitutional guarantees including freedoms related to speech, assembly, and religion.
Separation of Powers: Clearly outlines distinct functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.
Federalism: Establishes power-sharing between national and state governments, allowing for local legislation.
Amendments: The Constitution can be modified; however, amendments to certain clauses require a supermajority for approval.

Civil Law: Regulates legal disputes between individuals or entities, covering areas such as tort, contracts, and family law.
Criminal Law: Addresses offenses against the state, including major crimes (felonies) and minor crimes (misdemeanors).
Burden of Proof: Rests on the plaintiff in civil cases and shifts to the prosecution in criminal cases.
Penalties: Criminal law outlines sanctions such as fines, imprisonment, and community service for offenders.

Legal Aid: Provides accessible legal services to individuals unable to afford representation, ensuring equitable access to justice.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Includes methods like mediation and arbitration to resolve conflicts outside traditional court systems.
International Law: Malaysia's commitments to international treaties influence and shape domestic legal standards.
Enforcement Agencies: Key bodies like the police, Attorney General's Chambers, and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission enforce laws and maintain legal order.