The Constitution of Republika Srpska is the chief legal act of Republika Srpska, an entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina. The constitution was delivered by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska on 28 February 1992, but had to be revised after the Dayton Agreement was signed. It provides the set of laws and principles for the territory, and among its finest functions, it defines the internal organization of the Republic, the function of the official institutions, and the rights and freedoms for its citizens. The Constitutional Court of Republika Srpska started its functions on 1 July 1994 and its primary role is to ensure the protection of the Constitution and the law. It is formed by nine judges, including the President, elected in accordance to the Constitution and law.

History

The constitution of the Bosnian Serb Assembly was formally approved on 28 February 1992 under the designation of the Constitution of the Serb Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Устав Српске Републике Босне и Херцеговине/Ustav Srpske Republike Bosne i Hercegovine). It was in effect during the Bosnian War (1992–95), and after the signing of the Dayton Agreement it underwent numerous modifications in form of amendments in order to comply with the peace agreement and with the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Constitution

It is formed by 12 chapters. I - Basic provisions II - Human Rights and Freedoms III - Economic and Social Planning IV - Rights and duties V - Organization of Republika Srpska VI - Territorial Organization VII - Defense VIII - The constitutionality and legality IX - The Constitutional Court X - Courts and Public Prosecution XI - Changing the Constitution XII - Final provisions