Description

The Constitution enacted in 1972 and subsequently amended, serves as the supreme law governing the nation. It enshrines basic rights such as equality before the law, freedom of expression, and protection of property. Article 15 states that both nationals and aliens within the Republic's territory are subject to the Constitution and the law. Article 20 declares, "All Panamanians and aliens are equal before the law, but the law, for reasons of labor, health, morality, public security, and national economy, may subject aliens in general to special conditions or deny them the exercise of specific activities."