The Egyptian judicial code combines elements from the Napoleonic Code, English Common Law and Islamic Law. The Supreme Constitutional Court tops the judicial hierarchy that branches down into the court of appeals and primary and summary tribunals throughout the 26 governorates. Christians and Jews are subject to their own jurisprudence in personal status affairs.The distinction between civil and criminal courts exists in Egypt . In the civil system, there are two courts of primary jurisdiction: (i) the Summary Courts, which deal with low value matters, urgent matters (e.g. injunctions), and matters relating to the individual (e.g. divorce, inheritance); and (ii) the Courts of First Instance, which labour and commercial issues, and appeals from the Summary Courts. Appeals from the Courts of First Instance are heard by the Courts of Appeal, which are situated in main cities and will effectively involve a rehearing of the matter. Further appeals, on points of law only, may be made to the Court of Cassation. The Constitutional Court is a court in charge of reviewing the constitutionality of any law issued in Egypt . It decides whether the law in question is in conformity with the constitution. A separate structure under the Council of State exists for resolving administrative disputes involving government agencies and Ministries, such as challenges to the validity of presidential decrees, or disputes involving government contracts.
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