A Global Perspective

Chapter 9: Legality

Greece

Greece, officially known as the Hellenic Republic, is located in southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, the Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. It is found between Albania and Turkey and is slightly smaller than the state of Alabama. Greece is known as the cradle of western civilization and the birthplace for philosophy, drama, and democracy. The archaeological remains of many of the cities and sacred sites of ancient Greece can still be found today. Ninety-five percent of the population is literate.

The government of Greece is a parliamentary republic. The chief of state is the president who is elected by Parliament for a five-year term. The head of government is the prime minister who is appointed by the president. The president on the recommendation of the prime minister appoints the Cabinet. Parliament consists of 300 seats and the members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms.

The legal system is based on codified Roman law. The judiciary is divided into civil, criminal, and administrative courts. The Supreme Judicial Court and the Special Supreme Tribunal are made up of judges appointed for life by the president after consultation with a judicial council.