Slovakia 1992 (rev. 2001)

Article 1

1. Official religion
   The Slovak Republic is a sovereign, democratic and law governed states. It is not bound by any ideology or religion.
2. Customary international law
   The Slovak Republic recognizes and observes the general principles of international law, international treaties, by which it is bound, and its further international obligations.

Article 2

1. The power of the state derives from its citizens who exercise it directly or through their elected representatives.
2. State organs may act solely in conformity with the Constitution, within the limits established by law.
3. Anyone may act in a way not forbidden by law and no one may be forced to act in a way not established by law.

Article 3

1. The territory of the Slovak Republic is unitary and indivisible.
2. The border of the Slovak Republic may be changed only by a constitutional law.

Article 4

Article 5

1. Requirements for birthright citizenship, Requirements for naturalization
   Acquisition and loss of citizenship of the Slovak Republic are regulated by law.
2. Right to renounce citizenship
   No person can be deprived of state citizenship of the Slovak Republic against his or her will.

Article 6

1. Official or national languages
   On the territory of the Slovak Republic, the Slovak language is the official language.
2. The use of languages other than the official language in official communications shall be determined by law.

Article 7

1. The Slovak Republic may, on the basis of its own decision, enter into a union with other states. The entry and withdrawal is decided by a constitutional law, which is confirmed by referendum.
2. The Slovak Republic may, by international treaty, which was ratified in the manner specified by law, or on the basis of this treaty transfer the implementation of its rights to the European Communities and the European Union. Legally binding acts of the European Communities and the European Union have precedence over the laws of the Slovak Republic. The cession of legally binding acts, which require implementation, is executed by law or by Government decree in accordance with Article 120 (2) .
3. The Slovak Republic can, with the aim of maintaining peace, security and the democratic order, enter an organization of mutual collective security under conditions established by international treaty.
4. International organizations
   For the validity of international treaties concerning human rights and international treaties, international political treaties, international treaties of a military nature, from which arises the membership in international organizations, international economic treaties of a general nature, international treaties, for whose implementation a law is required, and international treaties, which directly establish rights or obligations of physical persons or juridical persons, the consent of the National Council of a Slovak Republic is required.
5. International treaties concerning human rights and fundamental freedoms, international treaties, for whose implementation a law is required, and international treaties, which directly establish rights or obligations of physical persons or juridical persons and which were ratified and promulgated in the manner established by law, have precedence before those (established) by laws.

Article 7a

Article 8

Article 9

1. The state emblem of the Slovak Republic consists of an early Gothic shield with a silver double cross erected on the central and highest of the three blue hills.
2. National flag
   The state flag of the Slovak Republic has three horizontal stripes: white, blue and red. The state emblem of the Slovak Republic appears in the left half of the flag.
3. The state seal of the Slovak Republic consists of the state emblem encircled by the inscription “Slovenská republika.”
4. National anthem
   The national anthem of the Slovak Republic is composed of the first two stanzas of the hymn “Nad Tatrou sa blýska.”
5. Details concerning the State symbols of the Slovak Republic and their use are established by law.

Article 10

1. The capital of the Slovak Republic is the city of Bratislava.
2. The status of Bratislava as the capital of the Slovak Republic is defined by law.

Article 11

Article 12

1. Human dignity, Inalienable rights
   All human beings are free and equal in dignity and rights. Their fundamental rights and freedoms are inalienable, irrevocable, and perpetual.
2. Equality regardless of social status, Equality regardless of parentage, Equality regardless of gender, Equality regardless of language, Equality regardless of religion, Equality regardless of skin color, Equality regardless of race, Equality regardless of financial status, Equality regardless of origin, Equality regardless of nationality, Equality regardless of creed or belief, Equality regardless of political party
   Fundamental rights shall be guaranteed in the Slovak Republic to every person regardless of gender, race, color, language, faith, religion, political affiliation or conviction, national or social origin, nationality or ethnic origin, property, birth or any other status. No one may be disadvantaged in legal rights, discriminated against or favored on any of these grounds.
3. Right to self determination
   Every person has the right to freely decide his or her nationality. All manner of influence or coercion that may affect or lead to a denial of a person’s original nationality shall be prohibited.
4. No person shall be prevented from exercising his or her fundamental rights and freedoms.

Article 13

1. Obligations can be imposed—
   1. by a law or on the basis of a law, within its limits and with the preservation of fundamental rights and freedoms,
   2. by international treaty according to Art. 7 paragraph 4, which directly established rights and obligations of physical persons or juridical persons, or
   3. by Government decree according to Art. 120 paragraph 2.
2. Limitations on fundamental rights and freedoms shall be imposed only under the conditions set forth in this Constitution.
3. Restrictions of constitutional rights and freedoms shall be applied equally and consistently in all similar cases.
4. When imposing restrictions on constitutional rights and freedoms, respect must be given to the essence and meaning of these rights and freedoms and such restrictions shall be used only for specifically defined purposes.

Article 14

Article 15

1. Right to life
   Everyone has the right to life. Human life is worthy of protection even before birth.
2. No person may be deprived of life.
3. Prohibition of capital punishment
   The death penalty shall be inadmissible.
4. No infringement of rights shall occur if a person has been deprived of life as a result of an act not defined as unlawful.

Article 16

1. The right of every individual to integrity and privacy shall be guaranteed. This right may be limited only in cases specifically provided for by law.
2. Prohibition of torture, Prohibition of cruel treatment
   No person shall be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 17

1. Personal liberty of every individual shall be guaranteed.
2. No one shall be prosecuted or deprived of liberty unless for reasons and by methods set by law. No person shall be deprived of liberty merely for his or her inability to fulfill contractual obligations.
3. Protection from unjustified restraint
   The (person) accused or suspected of a criminal offense may be arrested under circumstances established by law. The arrested person must be immediately informed of the reasons for the arrest and after interrogation within at most 48 hours set free or turned over to the court. The judge must within 48 hours, and in particularly serious criminal acts, within 72 hours from the transfer, decide on his detention or release (propusteni na slobodu) .
4. Right to pre-trial release, Protection from unjustified restraint
   the accused can be detained only on a written reasoned order of a judge. The detained person must be within 24 hours turned over to a judge. The judge must, within 48 hours, and in specially serious criminal offences, in 72 hours hear the detained person and decide on (pre-trial) detention or release (propusteni na slobodu) .
5. A person can only be taken into custody for reasons established by law and on the basis of a court decision.
6. The law specifies, in what cases it is permissible (možno) to transfer (prevziat’) a person to a mental hospital and to keep him [her] there without the person’s consent. This arrangement must be reported to a court within 24 hours, which decides on his placement within five days.
7. An investigation of the mental condition of a person accused of a criminal act, is possible only on the written permission (príkaz) of the court.

Article 18

1. No one may be subjected to forced labor or services.
2. Paragraph (1) of this Article shall not apply to:
   1. prisoners or persons sentenced to alternatives of imprisonment,
   2. Duty to serve in the military
      military service or other services performed in lieu of compulsory service in the armed forces,
   3. services lawfully required in cases of natural disasters, calamities and other events threatening the lives, health or valuable property of citizens,
   4. activities lawfully required for the protection of life, health and rights of other people,
   5. smaller communal services on the basis of the law.

Article 19

1. Every person shall have the right to maintain and protect his or her dignity, honor, reputation and good name.
2. Regulation of evidence collection, Right to privacy
   Everyone shall have the right to be free from unjustified interference in his or her privacy and family life.
3. Regulation of evidence collection
   Everyone has the right to be protected against unwarranted collection, disclosure, and other misuse of personal information.

Article 20

1. Right to transfer property, Right to own property
   Everyone has the right to own property. Property rights of all owners shall be uniformly construed and equally protected by law. The right of inheritance is guaranteed.
2. For the purposes of safeguarding the needs of the society, the interests of the general public, and the advancement of the national economy, the law shall establish certain property (including that defined in Article 4) of this Constitution as the exclusive property of the State, the municipality or specific juridical persons. In addition, the law can specify which property may be owned only by individual citizens or juridical persons residing in the Slovak Republic.
3. Ownership obligates. Property may not be misused to cause injury to another person or in contradiction to the public interests protected by law. The exercise of property rights must not be detrimental to the health of other people, wild life, cultural sites or the environment beyond the standards fixed by law.
4. Protection from expropriation
   Expropriation or restrictions on property rights shall be imposed only to the extent legally justified for the protection of the public interest and shall be justly compensated.

Article 21

1. The sanctity of the home shall be inviolable. Entrance without permission of the person residing therein is unlawful.
2. A search shall be justified only in circumstances connected with criminal proceedings and warranted by a written order issued by a judge. The methods of such a search shall be specified by law.
3. Other infringements upon the inviolability of the home shall be legally justified only in circumstances where, in a democratic society, it is necessary to protect life, health, property, civil rights and freedoms or to avert a serious threat to public order. In cases where the home is used for business and other enterprising activities, such infringement may be legally justified for the purposes of public administration.

Article 22

1. Secrecy of letters, other communications and written messages delivered by post and personal information shall be guaranteed.
2. No one shall violate the secrecy of letters, other communications and written messages kept private or delivered by post or otherwise, except in cases specified by law. This provision applies to communications delivered by telephone, telegraph and other similar means.

Article 23

1. Freedom of movement
   Freedom of movement and residence shall be guaranteed.
2. Everyone residing legally in the Slovak Republic has the right to leave the country.
3. Freedoms defined in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this Article may be limited by law only if such limits are necessary in order to protect national security, public order, the health, rights and freedoms of other people, or in order to protect the environment in designated areas.
4. Power to deport citizens
   Every citizen has the right to enter the Slovak Republic. No citizen may be forced to emigrate or be expelled from his or her native country or be extradited to a foreign country. A citizen cannot be forced to leave the country and he cannot be expelled.
5. Power to deport citizens
   Aliens may be expelled only in cases provided by law.

Article 24

1. Freedom of religion, Freedom of opinion/thought/conscience
   Freedom of thought, conscience, religion and faith are guaranteed. This right includes the right to change religion or faith and the right to refrain from a religious affiliation. Every person has the right to publicly express his or her opinion.
2. Every person has the right to express freely his or her own religious conviction or faith alone or in association with others, privately or publicly, by worship, religious services or ceremonies and participation in religious instruction.
3. Separation of church and state
   Churches and religious societies administer their own affairs. All ecclesiastic authorities and appointments, religious instruction, establishment of religious orders and other religious institutions shall be separate from the state organs.
4. The rights under paragraphs (1) to (3) of this Article can be legally restricted only as a measure taken in a democratic society for the protection of the public order, health, morality or rights and freedoms of others.

Article 25

1. The defense of the Slovak Republic is the duty and matter of honor of citizens. The law establishes the scope of military duty.
2. Right to conscientious objection
   No person may be forced to perform military duties if it is contrary to his or her conscience or religious faith or conviction. Further details shall be specified by law.

Article 26

1. Freedom of expression
   Freedom of expression and the right to information shall be guaranteed.
2. Freedom of press, Radio, Television, State operation of the media
   Every person has the right to express his or her opinion in words, writing, print, images and any other means, and also to seek, receive and disseminate ideas and information both nationally and internationally. No approval process shall be required for publication of the press. Radio and television companies may be required to seek permission from governmental authorities to set up private businesses. Further details shall be provided by law.
3. Freedom of press
   Censorship shall be prohibited.
4. Freedom of expression and the right to receive and disseminate information may be lawfully limited only where, in a democratic society, it is necessary to protect rights and freedoms of others, state security, law and order, health and morality.
5. The organs of public power are obligated to provide information in a reasonable manner about their activities in the state language. The conditions and the manner of implementation are established by law.

Article 27

1. Right of petition
   The right to petition is guaranteed. Every person has the right to address state organs or organs of territorial self-administration in individual and public matters with petitions, proposals, and complaints either individually or in association with other persons.
2. No petition may involve the infringement of fundamental rights and freedoms.
3. No petition may interfere with the independence of the judiciary.

Article 28

1. Freedom of assembly
   the right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed.
2. The conditions under which this right may be exercised are provided by law in cases of meetings held in public places where, in a democratic society, it is necessary to protect rights and freedoms of others, public order, health and morality, property or state security. (Peaceful) assembly may not be subject to conditions by organs of public administration.

Article 29

1. Freedom of association
   The right of free association is guaranteed. Everyone has the right to associate freely with other persons in unions, societies and other associations.
2. Right to form political parties
   Citizens may form political parties and political movements and associate in them.
3. Restrictions on political parties
   The exercise of rights in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this article may be limited only in cases justified by law where, in a democratic society, it is necessary to protect national security and public order, prevent crime and protect rights and freedoms of others.
4. Political parties and political movements, as well as clubs, societies or associations are separate from the State.

Article 30

1. Citizens have the right to participate in the administration of public affairs directly or by freely elected representatives. Foreigners with permanent residence on the territory of the Slovak Republic have the right to vote and be elected to the organs of self- administration of the municipalities and to the organs of higher territorial entities.
2. Elections shall be held within periods of time not exceeding the terms fixed by law.
3. Secret ballot, Claim of universal suffrage
   The right to vote shall be exercised through equal, universal and direct suffrage by secret ballot. The terms shall be specified by law.
4. All citizens shall have equal access to elected or public offices.

Article 31

Article 32

Article 33

Article 34

1. Citizens of national minorities or ethnic groups in the Slovak Republic are guaranteed their full development, particularly the rights to promote their cultural heritage with other citizens of the same national minority or ethnic group, receive and disseminate information in their mother tongues, form associations, and create and maintain educational and cultural institutions. Details are established by law.
2. Protection of language use
   In addition to the right to learn the official language, the citizens of national minorities or ethnic groups shall, under conditions provided by law, also be guaranteed:
   1. the right to be educated in a minority language,
   2. the right to use a minority language in official communications,
   3. the right to participate in decision-making in matters concerning national minorities and ethnic groups.
3. The exercise of rights by citizens of a national minority guaranteed by this Constitution may not threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Slovak Republic or discriminate against other citizens.

Article 35

1. Right to choose occupation, Right to establish a business
   Every person has the right to choose freely his or her profession and to receive appropriate preparation, as well as the right to earn his or her living through entrepreneurial activity.
2. The law may establish terms of, or restrictions on, specific professions, trades or activities.
3. Right to work
   Citizens have the right to work. The State shall guarantee, within reasonable limits, the material welfare of those who cannot exercise this right through no fault of their own. The terms are specified by law.
4. The law may establish a different arrangement of rights other than provided in paragraphs (1) to (3) for foreigners.

Article 36

Article 37

1. Right to join trade unions
   Every person shall have the right to associate freely with other persons to protect their economic and social interests.
2. Trade unions shall be independent of the State. There shall be no restrictions on the number of trade unions, and no encouragement of specific unions in certain companies or industries.
3. The activities of trade unions and other associations formed to protect economic and social interests may be limited by law only where, in a democratic society, such measures may be necessary for the protection of the national security, public order, and rights and freedoms of other persons.
4. Right to strike
   The right to strike is guaranteed. The terms shall be provided by law. Judges, prosecutors, members of the armed forces, and members and employees of the fire and protection squads are disqualified from the exercise of this right.

Article 38

1. Women, minors, and disabled persons have a right to more extensive health protection and special working conditions.
2. Minors and disabled persons have a right to special protection in employment relations and special assistance in training for a profession.
3. Details of the rights defined in paragraphs (1) and (2) are specified by law.

Article 39

1. Citizens have the right to adequate material security in their old age, as in cases of disability, and the loss of the family’s principal provider.
2. Right to reasonable standard of living
   Anyone suffering material hardship, has the right to such assistance as may be necessary to secure his or her fundamental standard of life.
3. Details of rights pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) are provided by law.

Article 40

Article 41

1. Matrimony, parentage, and family are protected by law. Special protection shall be enjoyed by children and young persons.
2. Pregnant women shall be entitled to special treatment, terms of employment, and working conditions.
3. Children born of matrimony and those born out of lawful wedlock shall be guaranteed equal rights.
4. Rights of children
   Child care and upbringing are the rights of parents; children shall have the right to parental care and upbringing. The rights of parents may be limited and minor children may be separated from parents against the parents’ will only by a court order as provided by law.
5. Parents taking care of their children shall have the right to assistance provided by the State.
6. Details of the rights pursuant to paragraphs (1) to (5) are provided by law.

Article 42

1. Compulsory education
   Everyone has the right to education. School attendance is compulsory. Their length of attendance are fixed by law.
2. Free education
   Citizens have the right to free education in elementary and secondary schools, and, depending on the abilities of the individual and the potential of the society, also in institutions of higher education.
3. The establishment of, and instruction in, schools other than state (public) schools shall be possible only under the terms provided by law; such schools may collect tuition fees.
4. The law specifies under what circumstances citizens have for their study the right to assistance by the state.

Article 43

1. Provisions for intellectual property, Reference to science, Reference to art
   Freedom of scientific research and freedom of artistic expression are guaranteed. Intellectual property rights shall be protected by law.
2. The right of access to cultural heritage is guaranteed under the terms fixed by law.

Article 44

1. Protection of environment
   Every person has the right to favorable environment.
2. Protection of environment
   Every person has a duty to protect and improve the environment and foster cultural heritage.
3. No person shall imperil or damage the environment, natural wealth and cultural heritage beyond the limits set by law.
4. Protection of environment
   The State sees to the economical use of the natural resources and the economical balance and active care of the life environment and safeguards the protection of certain kinds of plants and freely living animals.
5. The details concerning the rights and duties pertaining to paragraphs (1) to (4) are established by law.

Article 45

Article 46

1. Everyone may claim his or her right by procedures established by law at an independent and impartial court of law or other public organ of the Slovak Republic in cases specified by law.
2. Any person who claims to have been denied his or her rights through a decision made by a public organ may turn to a court of law to have the legality of the decision reviewed, unless otherwise provided by law. The review of decisions in matters of fundamental rights and freedoms may not be excluded from the jurisdiction of courts of law.
3. Ultra-vires administrative actions, Protection from false imprisonment
   Every person shall have the right to recover damages for a loss caused by an unlawful decision of the court, a governmental or public authority or by improper official procedure.
4. Details and terms of the judicial and other legal protection shall be regulated by law.

Article 47

1. Protection from self-incrimination
   Every person had the right to refuse to give testimony which might incriminate that person or another person close to him or her.
2. Right to counsel
   Every person has the right to counsel from the outset of proceedings before any court of law, or a governmental or public organ as provided by law.
3. All parties to any proceedings under paragraph (2) shall be treated equally under the law.
4. Trial in native language of accused
   A person who claims not to know the language used in the proceedings under paragraph (2) shall have the right to an interpreter.

Article 48

1. No one may be taken out of the competence of his legal judge. The jurisdiction of courts shall be defined by law.
2. Right to public trial
   Every person has the right to have his or her case tried publicly without unreasonable delay, to be present at the proceedings, so as to be able to object to any evidence given therein. The public can be excluded only in cases specified by law.

Article 49

Article 50

1. Only the courts of law decide the guilt of, and punishment for, the offender.
2. Presumption of innocence in trials
   anyone charged with an offense shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty as finally adjudged by the court.
3. The accused has the right to be given time to prepare his or her defense during such time as may be deemed necessary and shall have the right to defend the case by himself or herself or by a counsel.
4. The accused shall have the right to refuse to give testimony. This right may not be denied to that person under any circumstances.
5. Prohibition of double jeopardy
   No one may be prosecuted for an offense, for which he was lawfully sentenced or acquitted of an offense. This principle does not preclude an exceptional remedy provided by law.
6. Protection from ex post facto laws
   Any criminal act shall be judged by, and punished under, the law effective at the time of the act. The law passed after the commission of the offense shall apply only if the law is more favorable to the offender.

Article 51

1. The rights defined in Articles 35, 36, 37 paragraph (4), 38 to 42 and 44 to 46 of this Constitution may be claimed only within the limits of the law provided for their exercise.
2. Emergency provisions
   The conditions and scope of limitation of fundamental rights and duties in times of war, martial law, exceptional state and state of emergency, are established by a constitutional law.

Article 52

1. Whenever the term “citizen” is used in Part One and Part Two of this Constitution, it means a citizen of the Slovak Republic.
2. Foreigners shall enjoy the same fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by this Constitution, unless expressly designated only for the citizens of the Slovak Republic.
3. Whenever the term “citizen” is used in any previous provisions, it means any person provided the rights and freedoms which this Constitution guaranteed, irrespective of state citizenship.

Article 53

Article 54

Article 55

1. The economy in the Slovak Republic is based on the principles of a socially and ecologically oriented market economy.
2. The Slovak Republic protects and encourages competition. Details are provided by law.

Article 56

1. The National Bank of Slovakia is the independent central bank of the Slovak Republic.
2. The Supreme directing organ of the National Bank of Slovakia is the Bank Council of the National Bank of Slovakia.
3. The details pursuant to Paragraphs (1) and (2) are established by law.

Article 57

Article 58

1. The fiscal matters of the Slovak Republic are managed through the national budget. The national budget is adopted by a law.
2. Budgetary revenues, procedures of budgetary management and the relationships between the national and local budgets shall be regulated by law.
3. Specialized state funds linked with the national budget may be established by law.

Article 59

1. Taxes and duties are collected on the national and local levels.
2. Taxes and duties can be levied by or under the law.

Article 60

1. The Supreme Control Office of the Slovak Republic is an independent control organ of economic management (hospodárenia) with—
   1. budgetary means, which according to law are approved by the National Council of the Slovak Republic or by the Government,
   2. property, obligations, financial means, property rights and liabilities to the State, institutions of public law and the fund of the national property of the Slovak Republic,
   3. property, financial means and property rights of municipalities and the higher territorial entities, which they received to cover expenses of the transferred execution of the State management (administration),
   4. property, obligations, financial means, property rights and liabilities, for which the Slovak Republic assumed a guarantee,
   5. property, financial means, property rights and liabilities and financial means that were provided to the Slovak Republic, legal persons or physical persons managing means of the state budget or managing the state property within development programs or other similar reasons from abroad.
2. The control jurisdiction of the Supreme Control Office pertains in scope listed in Part 1 to—
   1. the government of the Slovak Republic, ministries and the rest of the central organs of state management (administration) of the Slovak Republic and their subordinate organs,
   2. state organs, as well as, legal persons for which the function of the founder or establisher is exercised by central organs of the state administration or other state organs,
   3. municipalities and higher territorial entities, juridical persons established by municipalities, and to legal persons established by higher territorial entities,
   4. state purpose funds, public law institutions established by law, legal persons in which public law institutions have property participation (interest), legal persons with property participation of the State,
   5. fund of national property of the Slovak Republic, legal persons with determined property participation of the fund of the national property of the Slovak Republic,
   6. physical persons and juridical persons.

Article 61

1. The Supreme Control Office is headed by the Chairman. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman are elected and recalled by the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
2. Any citizen qualified to be elected to the National Council of the Slovak Republic may be elected to the office of Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Supreme Control Office.
3. The same person may be elected to the office of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Supreme Control Office for no more than two consecutive seven-year terms.
4. The function of Chairman of the Supreme Control Office and the function of the Vice Chairman of the Supreme Control Office are incompatible with the exercise of another organ of the public power, with a working condition or a temporary working relationship, with enterprising activity, with membership in directing or earning activity, except the administration of personal property, scientific, pedagogical, literary or artistic activity.

Article 62

Article 63

Article 72

Article 73

1. Term length for first chamber, Size of first chamber
   The National Council of the Slovak Republic consists of 150 deputies who are elected for four years.
2. The deputies are the councillors of the citizens, and are elected to exercise their mandates personally according to their conscience and conviction and they are not bound by (any) directives.

Article 74

1. The deputies are elected by universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballot.
2. Eligibility for first chamber, Minimum age for first chamber
   Any citizen who has the right to vote, has attained 21 years of age and has permanent residence in the Slovak Republic is eligible to be elected to the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
3. Details relating to the election of the deputies are provided by law.

Article 75

1. A deputy elected to the National Council of the Slovak Republic for the first time shall take the following vow: “I swear on my honor and conscience allegiance to the Slovak Republic. I shall perform my duties in the interest of all citizens. I will abide by the Constitution and all other laws and I will make every effort to implement them in everyday life.”
2. Any refusal to take the pledge or any reservation shall result in the loss of the mandate.

Article 76

Article 77

1. Outside professions of legislators
   The function of a deputy is incompatible with the exercise of the function of a judge, public prosecutor, public defender of rights, member of the armed forces and armed guard.
2. The mandate of a representative who has been appointed a member of the Government, though not exercised, does not become extinct.

Article 78

1. No deputy shall be prosecuted for his vote in the national council or its committees, and this even after the expiration of his mandate.
2. For statements made in the National Council of the Slovak Republic in the exercise of the function of deputy, no deputy can be criminally prosecuted and this even after the expiration of his mandate. The deputy is subject to the disciplinary powers of the National Council of the Slovak Republic. The responsibility of the deputy under civil law is not affected thereby.
3. Immunity of legislators
   A deputy cannot be criminally or disciplinarily prosecuted, not taken into custody without the approval of the National Council of the Slovak Republic. If the National Council rejects a criminal prosecution or an arrest is excluded for the duration of the mandate of the deputy, in such a case the suspension of his mandate does not count.
4. If a deputy was apprehended and detained while committing a criminal offence, the competent organ is obligated to inform immediately the Chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic. If the mandate and community committee does not give the required approval for the arrest, the deputy must be immediately released.
5. If the deputy is in custody his mandate does not end, but it is not taken into account.

Article 79

Article 80

1. Legislative oversight of the executive
   A deputy may interpellate the Government of the Slovak Republic, any member of the Government or any principal governmental official in matters within their official powers. Any interpellation shall have the form of a debate in the National Council of the Slovak Republic which may be followed by a vote of confidence.
2. The response to interpellation shall have the form of a debate in the National Council of the Slovak Republic which may be followed by a vote of confidence.

Article 81

Article 81a

Article 82

1. The National Council of the Slovak Republic shall be continually in session.
2. The opening session of the National Council shall be convened by the President of the Slovak Republic not later than thirty days following the announcement of the election results. Otherwise, the National Council of the Slovak Republic shall meet on the thirtieth day after the announcement of the election results.
3. Length of legislative sessions
   The National Council may resolve to adjourn its session. The time of adjournment or recess may not exceed four months within a period of one year. The Chairman, the Deputy-Chairman and the Committees of the National Council shall continue to carry out their duties even during a recess.
4. During a recess or adjournment, a session can be convened by the Chairman of the National Council before the designated date. He can do so upon a request submitted by the Government or one-fifth of the members.
5. A session of the National Council of the Slovak Republic shall end as a result of a lapse of time or dissolution.

Article 83

1. The sessions of the National of the Slovak Republic shall be convened by the Chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
2. The Chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic shall convene a session also when so requested by no less than one fifth of the deputies. In this case the session shall be convened within seven days.
3. Public or private sessions
   Sessions of the National Council of the Slovak Republic are open to the public.
4. Closed sessions may be held only in cases established by law or when a three-fifths majority of all deputies of the National Council of the Slovak Republic agreed to it.

Article 84

1. Quorum for legislative sessions
   A quorum of the National Council of the Slovak Republic shall consist of the majority of all deputies.
2. For an effective resolution, the consent of the majority of deputies present shall be required unless this Constitution stipulates otherwise.
3. Veto override procedure
   For the expression of consent to an international treaty, according to Art. 7 paragraphs 3 and 4 and the acceptance of a law returned by the President of the Slovak Republic according to Art. 102 letter o), the consent of more than one half of all deputies is necessary.
4. Constitution amendment procedure, Referenda, Power to declare/approve war
   For adopting the Constitution, amending the Constitution, a constitutional law for the expression of consent to an international treaty, pursuant to Art. 7 paragraph (2), for the adoption of a resolution on a referendum, on the recall of the President of the Slovak Republic, on the presentation for an impeachment of the President and for declaring war on another state, the consent of at least a three-fifths majority of all deputies is required.

Article 85

Article 86

Article 87

1. Bills may be introduced by the Committees of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, members of the National Council and the Government of the Slovak Republic.
2. Approval or veto of general legislation
   If the President of the Slovak Republic returns a bill (zákon) with comments, the National Council shall reconsider it and in case of its approval such a law must be promulgated.
3. The law is signed by the President of the Slovak Republic, the Chairman of the National Council and the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic. If the National Council of the Slovak Republic after a reconsideration in spite of the comments of the President of the Slovak Republic, and the President of the Slovak Republic does not sign the law, the law is published without the signature of the President of the Slovak Republic.
4. The law comes into effect with its publication. The details concerning the publication of laws, of international treaties and legally binding acts of international organizations pursuant to Art. 7 paragraph (2) are established by law.

Article 88

1. A proposal for a vote of no-confidence in the Government of the Slovak Republic or a member thereof may be submitted to, and considered by, the National Council of the Slovak Republic provided one-fifth of the deputies require it.
2. A no-confidence vote in the Government of the Slovak Republic or a member thereof shall be passed provided an absolute majority of all deputies concur.

Article 89

1. The Chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic shall be elected or recalled by secret ballot with the consent of an absolute majority of all members. The Chairman shall be responsible exclusively to the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
2. The Chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic shall:
   1. convene and direct the sessions of the National Council of the Slovak Republic;
   2. sign the Constitution, constitutional laws and other laws;
   3. authorize the pledge taken by any member of the National Council of the Slovak Republic;
   4. announce the election of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, election of the President of the Slovak Republic and elections to local self-government organs;
   5. announce a referendum on the recall of the President of the Slovak Republic;
   6. exercise other tasks, as the law provides.
3. the Chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic shall remain in office after the expiry of the electoral term until the National Council of the Slovak Republic elects a new Chairman.

Article 90

1. The Chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic is deputized by the Deputy-Chairman. The Chairman and Deputy-Chairman are elected or replaced by the National Council of the Slovak Republic with the consent of an absolute majority of all deputies voting by secret ballot. The Deputy-Chairman shall be responsible to the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
2. The provisions of Article 89, paragraph (3) shall apply also to the Deputy-Chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.

Article 91

Article 92

1. Legislative committees
   The National Council of the Slovak Republic establishes Committees composed of its own deputies as its initiating and controlling organs, and its chairmen are elected by secret ballot.
2. The procedures governing the debates and deliberations in the National Council of the Slovak Republic and its Committees are established by law.

Article 93

1. A constitutional law on the information of a union with other states or a secession therefrom shall be confirmed by a public referendum.
2. A referendum may also be used to decide on other crucial issues in the public interest.
3. No issues of fundamental rights, freedoms, taxes, duties or national budgetary matters may be decided by a public referendum.

Article 94

Article 95

1. Legislative initiatives by citizens
   A referendum shall be announced by the President of the Slovak Republic upon a petition submitted by no less than 350,000 citizens, or upon a resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic not later than thirty days after the petition or the resolution have been submitted by the citizens or by the National Council of the Slovak Republic, as the case may be.
2. The President of the Slovak Republic may before the announcement of the referendum present to the Constitutional Court a draft for a decision, whether the subject of the referendum, which is to be announced on the basis of a petition of citizens or a resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic according to paragraph 1, is in treaty with the Constitution or a constitutional law. If the President of the Slovak Republic presents to the Constitutional Court a draft for a decision, if the subject of the referendum, which is to be announced on the basis of a petition of citizens or a resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, is in treaty with the Constitution or a constitutional law, from the presentation of the draft of the President of the Slovak Republic to the time of effectiveness of the decision of the Constitutional Court, the time period according to paragraph 1 does not apply.

Article 96

1. A proposal for the adoption of a resolution by the National Council of the Slovak Republic on the holding of a referendum may be submitted by deputies of the National Council of the Slovak Republic or by the Government of the Slovak Republic.
2. A referendum shall be held not later than ninety days after it has been announced by the President of the Slovak Republic.

Article 97

1. No referendum shall be held less than ninety days before the date of the election of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
2. A referendum may be held on the day of the election to the National Council of the Slovak Republic.

Article 98

1. The results of the referendum shall be valid if an absolute majority of eligible voters participated and the issue was decided by an absolute majority of votes.
2. The proposals adopted by a referendum are promulgated by the National Council of the Slovak Republic like a law.

Article 99

1. The results of a referendum may be amended or abrogated by a constitutional law passed by the National Council of the Slovak Republic after three years have passed since the date the outcome took effect.
2. The referendum, on the same issue, can be repeated no sooner than three years after the previous referendum was held.

Article 100

Article 101

1. Foreign affairs representative
   The Head of the Slovak Republic is the President. The President represents the Slovak Republic externally and internally and by his decisions safeguards the orderly conduct of the Constitutional organs. The President conducts his office according to his conscience and convictions and is not bound by any orders.
2. Head of state selection, Head of state term length
   The President is elected by the citizens of the Slovak Republic in direct elections by secret voting for five years. (All) citizens who have the right to vote for the National Council have the right to vote for the President.
3. Candidates for the President are proposed by at least 15 Deputies of the National Council of the Slovak Republic or citizens who have the right to vote for the National Council of the Slovak Republic, and this on the basis of a petition signed by at least 15,000 citizens. Proposals for the election are presented to the Chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic at the latest up to 21 days from the announcement of the elections.
4. Head of state selection
   Elected to the President is the candidate who attained an absolute majority of the valid votes of qualified voters. If no single candidate obtains the required majority of the votes, a second round of voting is conducted within 14 days. Into the second round of voting, enter the two candidates who obtained the greatest number of valid votes. In the second round of voting, the candidate who obtained the greatest number of valid votes of the participating voters, is elected President.
5. If one of the two candidates who obtained the greatest number of valid votes in the first round of voting ceases to be electable to be President before the second round of voting, or if he gives up his right to be a candidate, (then) the candidate who, in the first round of voting, obtained the second highest number of valid votes enters into the second round of voting. If in the second round of voting there are not two candidates, the second round is not realized and the Chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic announces new elections within seven days so that they can be implemented within 60 days of their announcement.
6. If only one candidate presents himself for the function of President, the election is conducted so that he is elected President, if he obtains an absolute majority of the valid votes of the participating voters.
7. The elected candidate assumes the functions of President by taking an oath. The oath is placed into the hands of the Chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic at noon of the day on which the electoral term of the preceding President ends.
8. If the electoral term of the President ended prematurely, the elected candidate takes his oath and assumes the functions of the President at noon of the day following the day on which the results of the election were announced.
9. The Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic decides on the constitutionality or legality of the elections of the President.

   (10) Details concerning the elections of the President are established by law.

Article 102

1. The President:
   1. Treaty ratification
      represents the Slovak Republic externally, negotiates and ratifies international treaties. He can delegate negotiation of international treaties to the Government of the Slovak Republic or, with the consent of the Government, to individual members thereof,
   2. can present a proposal to the Constitutional Court for a decision on the compatibility of negotiated international treaties, which requires the consent of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, with the Constitution or with a constitutional law,
   3. Head of state powers
      receives, accredits and recalls the heads the diplomatic missions,
   4. Head of state powers
      convenes the opening session of the National Council of the Slovak Republic,
   5. Emergency provisions, Dismissal of the legislature
      may dissolve the National Council of the Slovak Republic within six months of the appointment of the Government of the Slovak Republic, if it did not approve its announced program, if the National Council of the Slovak Republic did not agree within three months on a proposed Government law which the Government connected with a vote of confidence, if the National Council of the Slovak Republic was not able within no more than three months to agree either that its session was interrupted or that it was, during this period, repeatedly called into session, or that the session of the National Council of the Slovak Republic was interrupted for a longer period than the Constitution permits. (The President) cannot make use of this right during the last six months of his electoral term, in times of war, martial law or a state of exception. (The President) dissolves the National Council of the Slovak Republic in case of a popular voting on the recall of the President, the President was not recalled,
   6. signs laws;
   7. Cabinet removal, Head of government selection
      appoints and remove the Prime Minister and other members of Government of the Slovak Republic, commissions the heads of governmental departments and accepts their resignation; he shall remove the Prime Minister and other Ministers in cases defined in Articles 115 and 116;
   8. Selection of active-duty commanders, Central bank
      appoints and recalls the heads of the central organs, the higher state functionaries in cases specified by law, appoints and recalls the rectors of the universities, appoints university professors, appoints and promotes generals,
   9. confers orders, if he does not empower another organ,
   10. Power to pardon
       pardons and commutes sentences imposed by courts in criminal proceedings and mitigates sentences in the form of individual grace or amnesty,
   11. Designation of commander in chief
       is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces,
   12. Power to declare/approve war
       declares war on the basis of a resolution by the National Council of the Slovak Republic when the Slovak Republic is attacked or when this ensues from obligations of international treaties concerning joint defense against assault, and concludes peace,
   13. may, on the proposal of the Government, order the mobilization of the armed forces, proclaim martial law or proclaim a state of exception and their termination,
   14. announces a referendum,
   15. may return to the National Council a bill (zákon) with comments within 15 days of the delivery of the approved bills,
   16. has the right to demand from the Government of the Slovak Republic and from its members information necessary for the fulfillment of his tasks,
   17. has the right to require from the Government of the Slovak Republic and from its members information needed for the fulfilment of his duties,
   18. appoints and recalls the judges of the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic, the President and Vice President of the Constitutional Court; receives the oath of the judges of the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic and the oath of the general procurator,
   19. appoints and recalls the judges, the President and Vice President of the Supreme Court of the Slovak Republic, the general procurator and three members of the Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic; receives the oath of the judges.
2. The decisions of the President issued pursuant to Art. 102(1) c) and j) if it concerns the granting of amnesty, and according to letter k) shall be valid, if signed by the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic or by a Minister, entrusted by him; in these cases the Government of the Slovak Republic shall be responsible for the decision of the President.
3. The conditions for the declaration of war, the proclamation of martial law, the proclamation of a state of exception, the proclamation of a state of emergency and the manner of the execution of the public power in time of war, proclamation of martial law, the proclamation of a state of exception, is established by a constitutional law.
4. The details of the exercise of the constitutional powers according to paragraph 1 can be established by (a) law.

Article 103

1. Minimum age of head of state, Eligibility for head of state
   Any citizen of the Slovak Republic who is eligible to be a deputy of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, who, on the day of the election, has attained the age of forty years can be elected President.
2. Head of state term limits
   This person cannot be elected President for more than two consecutive terms.
3. The election for the President is announced by the Chairman of the National Council so that the first round of the elections can be realized at the latest 60 days before the expiration of the functional term of the President in office. When the office of the President becomes vacant before the end of the functional term, the Chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic announces the election of the President within 7 days so that the first round can be realized at the latest 60 days after the announcement of the election for the President.
4. In the event the President-elect is a deputy of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, a member of the Government of the Slovak Republic, procurator, member of the armed forces, member of the Supreme Control Office of the Slovak Republic, he ceases to exercise his previous function.
5. The President must not have any other paid function, profession or business activity and must not be a member of any organ of a juridical person, which conducts a business activity.
6. The President can relinquish his function at any time; his functioning period ends on the day of the delivery of the written announcement to the President of the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic.
7. The President of the Constitutional Court shall announce in writing the relinquishment of the functions of the President to the President of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.

Article 104

1. The President (of the Slovak Republic) presents before the National Council of the Slovak Republic to the President of the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic this oath: “I swear on my honor and conscience allegiance to the Slovak Republic. I will protect the welfare of the Slovak people, the national minorities and ethnic groups living in the Slovak Republic. I will perform my duties in the interest of the citizens and preserve and defend the Constitution and other laws."
2. A refusal to take the oath or an oath with a reservation results in the invalidation (neplatnost’) of the election of the President.

Article 105

1. If the President has not been elected, or if the function of the President becomes vacant and the new President has not been elected, or if the new President was elected, but has not yet taken the oath, or if the President cannot for serious reasons execute his function, the powers of the President, pursuant to Art. 102 letters a), b), c), n) and o) pass to the Government of the Slovak Republic. The Government may, in this case entrust to the Prime Minister the exercise of some of the powers of the President. To the Prime Minister pass in such a time the chief commanding of the armed forces. The competences (oprávnenia) of the President pursuant to Art. 102 paragraph 1 letters d), g), h), l), m), s) and t) pass at such time to the President of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
2. If the President cannot perform his function for a period longer than six months, the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic announces that the function of the President has become vacant and on the day of this announcement the functional term of the heretofore President ends.

Article 106

1. the President can be recalled from his function before the completion of the electoral term by a popular vote. The popular vote pertaining to the recall of the President is announced by the Chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic on the basis of a resolution by the National Council of the Slovak Republic, and this within 30 days of the adoption of the resolution so that the popular voting can take place within 60 days of its announcement.
2. The President is recalled if his recall in the popular voting was voted by an absolute majority of all qualified voters.
3. If the President was not recalled in the popular voting, the President dissolves the National Council of the Slovak Republic within 30 days of the announcement of the results of the popular voting. In such a case, a new presidential term commences for the President. The Chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic announces elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic within seven days of its dissolution.
4. The details concerning the recall of the President are established by law.

Article 107

Article 108

Article 109

1. Deputy executive
   The Government is composed of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Ministers.
2. Eligibility for cabinet, Head of government's role in the legislature
   The exercise of the function of a member of the Government is incompatible with the exercise of the mandate of a deputy, with the exercise of the function of another organ of the public power, state employment relationship, with a working relationship or enterprising activity, with membership in a directing or controlling organ of a juridical person, which is engaged in enterprising activity, or in another economic or gainful activity, except the management of personal property and scientific, pedagogical, literary or artistic activity.

Article 110

1. Head of government selection
   The Prime Minister is appointed and recalled by the President of the Slovak Republic.
2. Minimum age of head of government, Eligibility for head of government
   Any citizen of the Slovak Republic, who is eligible for election to the National Council of the Slovak Republic can be appointed Prime Minister.

Article 111

Article 112

Article 113

Article 114

1. Head of government removal, Cabinet removal
   The Government is accountable for the exercise of its functions to the National Council of the Slovak Republic. The National Council of the Slovak may at any time express its lack of confidence.
2. The Government may at any time ask the National Council of the Slovak Republic for an expression of a vote of confidence.
3. The Government may link the voting with the acceptance of a bill (zákona) or the voting on any other matter.

Article 115

1. When the National Council of the Slovak Republic expresses (a vote of) no confidence, or when it rejects a motion for an expression of confidence, the President of the Slovak Republic (shall) dismiss the Government.
2. Head of government replacement
   When the President of the Slovak Republic accepts the resignation of the Government, he entrusts it with the exercise of its functions until the appointment of a new Government.

Article 116

1. A member of the Government is (individually) accountable for the exercise of his function to the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
2. A member of Government may submit his or her resignation to the President of the Slovak Republic.
3. The National Council of the Slovak Republic may express lack of confidence in an individual member of the Government; in such case the President of the Slovak Republic dismisses the member.
4. The motion for the dismissal of a member of the Government to the President of the Slovak Republic may also be made by the Prime Minister.
5. If the resignation is submitted by the Prime Minister, the entire Government (shall) resign.
6. If the National Council of the Slovak Republic expresses no confidence in the Prime Minister, the President of the Slovak Republic dismisses him. The dismissal of the Prime Minister has as its result, the resignation of the Government.
7. If the President of the Slovak Republic accepts the resignation of a member of the Government or he dismisses him, he (shall) designate which member of the Government shall temporarily assume the functions of the member whose resignation be accepted.

Article 117

Article 118

1. The Government is ready to act if at least one-half of its members are present.
2. For the adoption of a resolution by the government the consent of an absolute majority is necessary.

Article 119

Article 120

1. For the execution of a law and within its limits the Government may issue decrees.
2. When the law so provides, the Government is authorized to issue decrees on the implementation of the European treaty on association between European communities and its member States on one side and the Slovak Republic on the other side and on the implementation of international treaties pursuant to Art. 7 paragraph 2.
3. Decrees of the government are signed by the Prime Minister.
4. Decrees of the government must be promulgated in the manner specified by law.

Article 121

Article 122

Article 123

Article 124

Article 125

1. The Constitutional Court rules on the consonance—
   1. Constitutional court powers, Legal status of treaties, International law
      of laws with the Constitution, constitutional laws with international treaties, with which the National Council of the Slovak Republic has expressed its treaty and which were ratified and promulgated in the manner established by law,
   2. decrees of the Government, the generally binding legal regulations of the ministries and the other central organs of the state administration with the Constitution, constitutional laws, with international treaties, with which the National Council of the Slovak Republic has expressed consent and which were ratified and promulgated in the manner established by a law or laws,
   3. generally binding ordinances, pursuant to Art. 68 with the Constitution, with constitutional laws, with international treaties, with which the National Council of the Slovak Republic expressed its treaty and that were ratified and promulgated in the manner established by a law or with laws, if no other court rules on them,
   4. Federal review of subnational legislation
      generally binding legal regulations of local organs of state administration and general binding regulations of the organs of the local self-administration pursuant to Art. 71 paragraph 2 with the Constitution, with constitutional laws, with laws and decrees of the Government, and with generally binding legal regulations of the ministries and other central organs of state administration, if no other court rules on them.
2. When the Constitutional Court accepts the motion for a proceeding according to paragraph 1, it can stop the application of the contested (napadnotých) legal provisions, parts thereof, the impact of some of their provisions, if its further application can threaten fundamental rights and freedoms, if considerable economic damage is threatened, or another serious unjust consequence.
3. Constitutionality of legislation
   when the Constitutional Court with its decision states that there is a conflict between the legal regulations referred to in paragraph 1, the pertinent regulations, its parts, some of their provisions lose their effectiveness. The organs, who issued these (il) legal regulations, are obligated to bring them into accord, within six months from the ruling of the Constitutional Court, with the Constitution, constitutional laws and international treaties with the promulgation in the manner established by law, and if it concerns provisions referred to in paragraph 1 letter d) with the decrees of the Government and with the generally binding legal regulations of the ministries and the other central organs of state administration. If this is not done, these regulations, their parts or provisions lose their validity after six months from the publications of the ruling.
4. The Constitutional Court does not rule on the consonance of a draft law or a draft of a generally binding legal provision with the Constitution, with an international treaty, which was published in a manner established by a law or by a constitutional law.
5. The validity of the decision on the suspension of effectiveness of the challenged legal provisions, parts thereof, or some of its provisions ends with the publication of a decision of the Constitutional Court in the same matter the suspension of effectiveness of the challenged of a legal provision, which the Constitutional already did not disturb, because the reasons for accepting them ceased.
6. The decisions of the Constitutional Court issued pursuant to paragraphs 1, 2 and 5 are announced in the manner established for the publication of laws. The valid decision of the Constitutional Court is generally binding.

Article 125a

1. The Constitutional Court decides on consonance of negotiated international treaties, for which the consent of the National Council of the Slovak Republic is required, with the Constitution or with a constitutional law.
2. The request for a decision pursuant to paragraph 1 can be presented to the Constitutional Court by the President of the Slovak Republic or the Government.
3. The Constitutional Court decides on the request pursuant to paragraph 2 within the time limit specified by law; when the Constitutional Court pronounces, with its decision that the international treaty is not in accord with the Constitution or a constitutional law, such an international treaty cannot be ratified.

Article 125b

1. The Constitutional Court decides on whether the subject of a referendum, which is to be announced, on the basis of a petition by citizens or a resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, pursuant to Art. 95 paragraph 1, is in accord with the Constitution or with a constitutional law.
2. The proposal for a decision, pursuant to paragraph 1, can be presented to the Constitutional Court by the President of the Slovak Republic before the announcement of the referendum, if he has doubts, whether the subject of the referendum, which is to be announced on the basis of a petition by citizens or a resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic pursuant to Art. 95 paragraph 1 is in accord with the Constitution or with a constitutional law.
3. The Constitutional Court decides on the proposal pursuant to paragraph 2 within 60 days from its delivery; if the Constitutional Court declares with its decision that the subject of the referendum, which is to be announced on the basis of a petition by citizens or by a resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, pursuant to Art. 95 paragraph 1, is not in accord with the Constitution or a constitutional law, the referendum cannot be announced.

Article 126

Article 127

1. The Constitutional Court decides about complaints by physical or juridical persons, when they protest violations of their fundamental rights or freedoms, resulting from international treaties, which was ratified by the Slovak Republic and promulgated in the manner specified by law, and if no other court decides about the protection of these rights and freedoms.
2. If the Constitutional Court responds to the complaint, by its decision pronounces that by a valid decision, measure or other intrusion, rights or freedoms, pursuant to paragraph 1 were violated, it also cancels the decision, measure or other intrusion. If the violation of rights or freedoms, pursuant to paragraph 1, rose from inaction, the Constitutional Court can also order that the one who violated theses rights and freedoms, act in the matter. The Constitutional Court can also return the matter for further proceeding, prohibit the continuation in violation of fundamental rights and freedoms or human rights and fundamental freedoms emanating from an international treaty, which was ratified by the Slovak Republic and promulgated in the manner specified by law, or, if it is possible, to order that the one who violated these rights or freedoms pursuant to paragraph 1 restore the condition before the violation.
3. The Constitutional Court can, with its decision, with which it responds to a complaint, award to the one, whose rights, pursuant to paragraph (1) were infringed upon, appropriate financial compensation.
4. The responsibility of the one who violated rights or freedoms, pursuant to paragraph 1, for the damage or other interference is not affected by the decision of the Constitutional Court.

Article 127a

1. The Constitutional Court decides concerning complaints by organs of the territorial self-administration against an unconstitutional or illegal interference in a matter of territorial self-administration, if no other court decides it.
2. If the Constitutional Court responds to the complaint by the organ of territorial self- administration, it pronounces, in what consists the unconstitutional or illegal decision in the matter of territorial self-administration, which constitutional law or law was violated and by which decision or interference the violation arose. The Constitutional Court voids the contested decision, and if the violation of the law consisted in another interference, than is decided, it forbids the continuation of the interference and orders, if it is possible, to have the previous condition restored.

Article 128

Article 129

1. The Constitutional Court decides about complaints against a decision on the verification or non-verification of the mandate of a deputy of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
2. The Constitutional Court decides about the constitutionality and legality of presidential elections, elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic and to the organs of territorial self-administration.
3. The Constitutional Court decides on complaints against the results of a referendum or the result of plebiscite on the recall of the President of the Slovak Republic.
4. The Constitutional Court decides on whether a decision on the dissolution or suspension of activity of a political party or political movement is in accord with constitutional laws or other laws.
5. The Constitutional Court decides on the accusation by the National Council of the Slovak Republic against the President of the Slovak Republic in the matter of intentional violation of the Constitution or high treason.
6. The Constitutional Court decides on whether the decision on the proclamation of a state of exception or a state of emergency were promulgated in accord with the Constitution or a constitutional law.
7. The decisions of the Constitutional Court, pursuant to the preceding paragraphs are binding on all organs of the public power, physical persons or juridical persons, that effect them. The competent organ of public power is obligated to ensure its implementation without unnecessary delay. The details are established by law.

Article 130

1. The Constitutional Court begins the proceeding upon a petition presented by:
   1. not less than one-fifth of the deputies of the National Council of the Slovak Republic,
   2. the President of the Slovak Republic,
   3. the Government of the Slovak Republic,
   4. (a) court,
   5. the Procurator-General
   6. anyone, whose rights shall be adjudicated in cases specified in Arts., 127 and 127a.
2. The law shall specify, who has the right to present a petition to begin the proceeding pursuant to Art. 129.

Article 131

1. The Constitutional Court shall decide in plenary session in matters referred to in Art. 105 paragraph 2, Art. 107, Art. 125 paragraph 1 letters a) and b), Art. 125a paragraph 1, Art. 125b paragraph 1, Art. 128, Art. 129 paragraph 2 to 6, Art. 136 paragraphs 2 and 3, Art. 138 paragraph 2 letters b) and c), on the harmonization (zjednocovaní) of the legal opinions of the senates, on the organization of internal relations and on the draft budget. The plenum of the Constitutional Court is attained by an absolute majority of all judges. If this majority is not attained, the petition is rejected.
2. On other matters the Constitutional Court decides in three-member senates. The senates decide by absolute majority of their members.

Article 132

Article 133

Article 134

1. The Constitutional Court is composed of thirteen judges.
2. Constitutional court term length
   The judges of the Constitutional Court are appointed for twelve years by the President of the Slovak Republic. The National Council of the Slovak Republic nominates a twofold number of candidates for judgeships, which the President shall appoint.
3. Min age of const court judges, Constitutional court term limits, Eligibility for const court judges
   For a judgeship of the Constitutional Court can be nominated a citizen of the Slovak Republic, who is electable to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, has attained 40 years of age, has a university legal education and at least 15 years experience in the legal profession. Such a person cannot be appointed again as a judge of the Constitutional Court.
4. A judge of the Constitutional Court places into the hands of the President of the Slovak Republic this oath: “I swear on my honor and conscience, that I will protect the inviolability of the natural (prirodzených) rights of man and rights of citizen, protect the principles of the law-governed state, be guided by the Constitution, constitutional laws and international treaties, which the Slovak Republic ratified and which were promulgated in the manner specified by law and that (I shall) decide according to my best convictions, independently and impartially."
5. With the taking of this oath the judge of the Constitutional Court assume (his) functions.

Article 135

Article 136

1. The judges of the Constitutional Court have the same immunities as the deputies of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
2. The consent for a criminal prosecution of a judge or for a pre-trial detention is given by the Constitutional Court.
3. The Constitutional Court gives consent to a criminal prosecution or taking into pretrial detention of judges and the general prosecutor. The Constitutional Court conducts disciplinary proceedings against the President of the Supreme Court of the Slovak Republic, the Vice President of the Supreme Court of the Slovak Republic and the general prosecutor.
4. If the Constitutional Court refuses (its) consent, the criminal prosecution or the pretrial detention (then), for the duration, the function of the Judge of the Constitutional Court, the function of a judge or the function of the general procurator, is excluded.

Article 137

1. If an appointed judge of the Constitutional Court is a member of a political party or a political movement, he must give up his membership prior to taking the oath.
2. The judges of the Constitutional Court perform their function as a profession. The exercise of this function is incompatible with a function in another organ of public power, with a state employment relationship, with a work relationship, with temporary working relationship, with a business activity, with membership in a directing or controlling organ of a juridical person, which is engaged in a business activity, as for any other economic or gainful activity, with the exception of the management of personal property, scientific, pedagogical, literary or artistic activity.
3. On the day that the judge assumes his function his mandate as a deputy or membership in the Government of the Slovak Republic expires.

Article 138

1. A judge of the Constitutional Court may resign from his or her function by a written notification to the President of the Constitutional Court. His function, in such a case, ends with the passing of the calendar month in which the written notification of resignation of his function was delivered.
2. The President of the Slovak Republic recalls a judge of the Constitutional Court—
   1. on the basis of a valid judgement for an intentional criminal act, or if he was validly convicted for a criminal act, and the court has not decided, in his case, on the conditional postponement of the execution of the punishment of deprivation of liberty,
   2. on the basis of a disciplinary judgement of the Constitutional for an act, that is incompatible with the exercise of the function of a judge of the Constitutional Court,
   3. if the Constitutional Court has announced that the judge has not participated in the work of the Constitutional Court for a period longer than one year,
   4. if his eligibility into the National Council of the Slovak Republic has ceased.

Article 139

Article 140

Article 141

1. Judicial independence
   In the Slovak Republic justice is administered by independent and impartial courts.
2. Justice is administered at all levels separately from other state organs.

Article 141a

1. The President of the Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic is the President of the Supreme Court of the Slovak Republic. Its other members are—
   1. eight judges, who are elected and recalled by judges of the Slovak Republic,
   2. three members, who are elected and recalled by the National Council of the Slovak Republic,
   3. three members, who are appointed and recalled by the President of the Slovak Republic,
   4. three members, who are appointed and recalled by the Government of the Slovak Republic
2. As a member of the Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic pursuant to paragraph 1 letters b) to d), it is possible to designate a person, who is irreproachable and has a university legal education and at least 15 years of professional practice.
3. The functional terms of the members of the Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic is five years. Such a person can be elected or appointed to be a member of the Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic at the most two consecutive terms.
4. To the competence of the Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic of the Slovak Republic belong—
   1. to present to the President of the Slovak Republic proposals for candidates for the appointment of judges and proposals for the recall of judges,
   2. to decide about the assignment and the transferring of judges,
   3. to present to the President of the Slovak Republic proposals for the appointment of the President of the Supreme Court of the Slovak Republic and the Vice President of the Supreme Court of the Slovak Republic and their recall,
   4. to present to Government of the Slovak Republic proposals for candidates who would work for the Slovak Republic in international judicial organs,
   5. to elect and recall the members of the disciplinary senates and to elect and recall the chairpersons of the disciplinary senates,
   6. to express themselves concerning the draft budget of the courts of the Slovak Republic at the framing of the draft state budget,
   7. other activity, as established by law.
5. For the acceptance of a resolution of the Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic an absolute majority of all its members is necessary.
6. The details concerning the manner of establishing the members of the Slovak Republic, of their activity, organization and relationship to the organs of the administration of justice and to the organs of judicial self-administration are established by law.

Article 142

1. The courts decide matters concerning civil and criminal law; they examine the legality of the decisions of organs of public administration and the legality of decisions, measures and other interventions by organs of public power, as the law provides.
2. The courts decide in senates, if the law does not stipulate that the case is decided by a single judge. The law specifies the cases in which judicial assessors (prísediaci sudcovia) from the ranks of citizens participate and in which cases an employee of the court, who is entrusted by a judge, may decide. Against the decision of an employee, entrusted by a judge, as legal remedy is admissible, about which always, a judge decides.
3. The decisions are always pronounced in the name of the Slovak Republic and are always public.

Article 143

1. The system of the courts consists of the Supreme Court of the Slovak Republic and other courts.
2. The details of the structure of the courts, their competence, organization and procedure before them are specified by law.
3. Within the scope established by law, the ordering and the administration of the courts the organs of judicial self-administration participate.

Article 144

1. Judicial independence
   Judges are independent in the exercise of their functions and in deciding they are only bound by the Constitution, constitutional law, international treaty pursuant to Art. 7 paragraphs 2 and 5 and by law.
2. Constitutional court opinions
   If the court believes (domnieva) that another generally binding legal rule, a part of it or a single provision, which concerns the pending matter, is in conflict with the Constitution, a constitutional law, international treaty pursuant to Art. 7 paragraph 5 or a law, it interrupts the proceeding and presents a proposal for beginning a proceeding on the basis of Art. 125 paragraph 1. The legal opinion of the Constitutional Court contained in the opinion is binding on the Court.

Article 145

1. Supreme court term length
   The judges are appointed and recalled by the President of the Slovak Republic on the proposal of the Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic; he appoints them without time limits.
2. Minimum age of supreme court judges, Eligibility for supreme court judges
   To a judgeship can be appointed a citizen, who can be elected to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, has attained the age of 30 years and has a university legal education. Further requirements for appointment to a judgeship and his functional advancement, as well as the scope of the immunity of judges, are provided by law.
3. Eligibility for supreme court judges, Supreme court term length, Supreme court term limits
   The President of the Supreme Court of the Slovak Republic and the Vice President of the Supreme Court of the Slovak Republic are appointed from the judges of the Supreme Court of the Slovak Republic by the President of the Republic for five years. Such person can be reappointed to be President of the Supreme Court of the Slovak Republic and to be Vice President of the Supreme Court of the Slovak Republic at the most for two consecutive terms. The President of the Slovak Republic may recall the President or the Slovak Republic or the Vice President of the Supreme Court of the Slovak Republic for reasons specified in Art. 147.
4. The judge places into the hands of the President of the Slovak Republic this oath: “I swear on my honor and conscience, that I will abide by the Constitution, constitutional laws, international treaties which the Slovak Republic has ratified and promulgated in the manner specified by the law and laws, interpret the laws according to my best conviction, independently and impartially.”
5. With the taking of the oath the judge assumes his function.

Article 145a

1. If the nominated judge is a member of a political party or political movement he is obligated to give up his membership in them even before the taking of the oath.
2. The judge performs his function as his profession. The exercise of this function is incompatible with the function of another organ of public power, state employment relationship, with a temporary working relationship, with a business activity, with membership in a directing or controlling organ of a juridical person, which is engaged in a business activity, or any other economic or gainful activity, with the exception of the management of personal property, scientific, pedagogical, literary or artistic activity and membership with Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic.

Article 146

Article 147

1. The President of the Slovak Republic recalls a judge on the proposal of the Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic on the basis of a valid judgement for an intentional criminal act or he was validly convicted for a criminal act and the court has not yet decided in his case on the conditional postponement of the execution of the punishment of deprivation of liberty, on the basis of a decision by the disciplinary senate for an act, which is incompatible with the exercise of the function of a judge, or if his eligibility into the National Council of the Slovak Republic has ceased.
2. The President of the Slovak Republic may recall the judge on the proposal of the Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic,
   1. if his state of health does not allow him, at least for one year, to properly perform his judicial duties,
   2. Mandatory retirement age for judges
      if he has reached the age of 65 years.

Article 148

1. A judge can be transferred to another court only with his consent or on the basis of a decision by the disciplinary senate.
2. The reasons for an interruption of the exercise of the judicial function and the conditions of a temporary interruption of the exercise of the function of a judge or a temporary assignment of a judge are established by law.
3. The manner of establishment of assessor judges (prísediacich sudcov) is established by law.

Article 149

Article 150

Article 151

Article 151a

1. The public defender of rights is an independent organ, who, within the limits and manner established by law participates in the defense of fundamental rights and freedoms of physical persons and juridical persons in the decision-making or inactivity of the organs of the public administration, if its conduct, decision-making or inactivity (are) in conflict with the legal order or the principles of democratic and law-governed state.
2. The public defender of rights is elected by the National Council of the Slovak Republic for a period of five years from candidates, proposed by at least 15 deputies of the National Council of the Slovak Republic. Any citizen who can be elected to be a deputy to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, and who has attained the age of 35 years on the day of the elections. The public defender of rights cannot be a member of a political party or a political movement.
3. The function of the public defender ends on the day of the effectiveness of a legally valid decision, by which the public defender was sentenced for an intentional criminal act, or if the court did not decide in his case on the conditional postponement of the execution of the sentence, or the loss of eligibility.
4. The National Council can recall the public defender of rights, if for a long time, but at least three months, his health does not allow him to properly carry out the duties emanating from his function.
5. The details concerning the election and the recall of the public defender of rights, his work, on the conditions of the exercise of his function, on the manner of public defense and on the realization of the rights of physical persons and juridical persons, are established by law.