Ligji

Ligji is the Albanian word for “the law” and is used to denote the body of binding rules that govern a state or jurisdiction. In Albanian-language contexts, ligji can refer to a specific statute or to the law as a general concept. The term derives from the native Albanian vocabulary and is widely used in legal texts, court decisions, and everyday discourse.

In Albania, the legal system places the Constitution at the top of the hierarchy, followed by statutory laws (ligjet) enacted by the Parliament (Kuvendi). These laws define rights and duties, establish institutions and procedures, and set penalties for offenses. Administrative regulations and decrees implement and detail how laws are applied. International law and ratified treaties are also part of the domestic legal order.

The judiciary applies ligji to resolve disputes and uphold rights. Courts—including civil, criminal, and administrative bodies—interpret and enforce laws, while the Constitutional Court ensures compatibility with the Constitution. The separation of powers, judicial independence, and due process are typical features of systems where ligji operates as the central mechanism for governance and social order.

Usage: The definite form ligji means “the law” (as a concept or a specific statute), while ligjet is the plural (“the laws”). The term is central to Albanian legal writing, education, media, and public life.