Lithuania

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Background

Lithuania, the southernmost of the three Baltic states, is a country in Northern Europe with a rich and complex history.
It regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1990, becoming the first republic to do so. Since then, Lithuania has undergone significant economic and political transformations, joining NATO and the European Union in 2004.
Today, it is a rapidly developing country with a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and European integration. Recent history has been shaped by its efforts to strengthen national security, economic growth, and cultural identity, particularly in response to regional geopolitical tensions. Despite its turbulent past, Lithuania has emerged as a modern, democratic nation with a strong economy and growing global influence.

The Legal system

Lithuania follows a civil law system, which is based on written legal codes rather than judicial precedents. This system is influenced by the continental European legal tradition, particularly the legal frameworks of Germany and France.
Legal rules and principles are primarily found in legislative acts, such as the Civil Code, Criminal Code, and Administrative Code. Unlike common law systems (e.g., UK, USA), court decisions in Lithuania do not have binding precedent. However, Supreme Court rulings can serve as guidance for lower courts.
Courts apply laws strictly as written, interpreting them based on statutes rather than previous case law.
As an EU member, Lithuania incorporates EU regulations and directives into its legal system, affecting areas such as trade, competition, and human rights. Lithuania's legal system is consistent with those of other continental European nations and differs significantly from common law jurisdictions that rely on case law and judicial interpretation.

Legal Aid

State Sponsored legal aid
Lithuania provides state-sponsored legal aid to individuals who cannot afford legal representation. The system is regulated by the Law on State-Guaranteed Legal Aid and managed by the State-Guaranteed Legal Aid Service (Valstybės garantuojamos teisinės pagalbos tarnyba - VGTPT) under the Ministry of Justice.

Primary Legal Aid: free legal consultations and assistance in preparing documents (excluding representation in court). Available to all Lithuanian residents, regardless of income. Provided by municipal legal aid offices.

Secondary Legal Aid: includes full legal representation in civil, administrative and criminal cases. Available for individuals who meet income criteria or fall under special categories (e.g., victims of domestic violence, asylum seekers). Costs covered by the state.

Mandatory Legal Aid in Criminal Cases: if a suspect cannot afford a lawyer, the state appoints a public defender (advokatas) free of charge. Mandatory for minors, people with disabilities, or in cases where legal defense is required by law.

Number of lawyers (criminal/civil)
Lithuania has approximately 2,500 licensed attorneys (advokatai) registered with the Lithuanian Bar Association. The exact breakdown between criminal and civil lawyers is not publicly available, but civil law specialists outnumber criminal lawyers due to the structure of the legal system.

Source of Defendants Rights

National Sources of Defendant’s rights:

International Sources of defendant’s rights:

Rights of the Accused

Right Against Unlawful Arrests, Searches and Seizures:

Right Against Unlawful Detention:

Right Not to be Tortured or Ill-Treated:

Right to Medical Care:

Right to be Informed of Charges:

Right to Presumption of Innocence:

Right Against Self-Incrimination:

Right to Counsel and Effective Assistance:

Right to Due Process:

Right to Equal Protection of the Laws:

Right to Bail:

Right Against Ex Post Facto Prosecution:

Right Against Double Jeopardy:

Right to a Fair Trial:

Right to a Trial by Jury:

Right to a Speedy Trial:

Right to an Impartial Judge:

Right to Language Interpretation:

Right to Habeas Corpus:

Capital Punishment:

Right to Appeal:

Rights of Counsel

Means of Protecting and Enforcing Rights

Exclusionary Rule:

Nullity of Procedure:

Civil Actions:

Pre-Trial Procedure

Police procedures

Arrest, Search and Seizure Laws:

Interrogation:

Court Procedures

Pre-Trial:

Oral Trial:

Sentencing:

Appeals

Rights in Prison

Resources