French Government Changes

During Napoleon's rule in France, the French government underwent major changes in regards to administrative and legal structures. During this time, the French empire implemented the use of the Civil Code; also known as the Napoleonic Code.

Like Napoleon in France, William Bismarck of Germany influenced major changes to German law. Under Bismarck, Germany adopted the German Civil Code. However, in 1918, a democratic constitution was recognized after World War 1 and the creation of the Weimar Republic. The Weimar Republic lasted briefly due to the rise of Adolf Hitler in 1933. The growth of the Nazi Party in Germany resulted in the removal of federalism and the formation of a centralized power. However, after defeat in World War 2, Germany
In time, power struggles ensued, which gave way to external influence over the country of Japan. The Meiji Restoration was a result of such struggles, which resulted in emperor Meiji and the remaining Tokugawa shoguns gaining control of Japan as they had centuries prior. However, not until post World War 2, had the country of Japan experienced such sweeping changes to its government. During this period, Japan relinquished its governmental control to the Allied victors of the war. In addition, a new constitution, similar to the U.S. constitution, was introduced known as the Showa Constitution. As a result, the Japan government utilizes a bill of rights, Supreme Court and a parliamentary government.

The early territory known today as Saudi Arabia, was under the control of Islamic caliphs until the Ottoman Empire took over. Under the Ottomans, the legal system of Saudi Arabia was influenced by a European system of law. After World War 1, the Middle East became a battleground for a struggle to claim control of the area. Through these power struggles came the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The first ruler of Saudi Arabia, King Assiz and his successors, showed strict adherence to the Hanbali school of Islamic law which is still followed in present day Saudi Arabian
Early monarchs battled with the citizens of England in an attempt to centralize government. Magna Carta was the first success of many “great charters’ to shape the legal system of England. This charter was the result of retaliation for Williams attempt at centralized government. After several more failed attempts by rulers to implement rule over the people, William of Orange was offered the throne in return for his acceptance of the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights was the second “great charter” to take hold in England. Furthermore solidifying certain rights and criminal procedure for England. Additional acts followed, such as the Act of Settlement and the Petition of Rights, which also aided in the formation of their legal system. The most recent change to English law has been the passing of the Constitutional Reform Act, granting the United Kingdom the use of a court system similar to that of the United States Supreme