The judicial system of Cuba consists of the judicial branch of the Cuban government, and the lawyers and judges who operate within it. History of the Cuban Judiciary Shortly after the Cuban Revolution, the Cuban government adopted as its guiding force the ideas of Marxism-Leninism and sought to build a socialist society in accordance with these principles. In order to do this, the existing political and economic structure had to be dismantled, and with it, the nation's laws and legal system. Gradually, a new legal system arose, based heavily on communist legal theory. The Cuban Judiciary is currently one of the three branches of the Cuban government, the others being the executive and the legislative branch. It has been contended that the judiciary lacks independence and is subordinate to the executive branch of government. The original legal system in Cuba was a reflection of its status as a Spanish colony. Even after the nation received its independence in 1902, vestiges of Spanish law remained in effect – for example, the Civil Code remained in effect, with modifications, until 1987. The period of United States occupation and influence resulted in developments such as the Supreme Court of Cuba. After the Cuban Revolution, the legal system underwent a series of radical transformations, both in terms of its structure and also in terms of the laws it promulgated. After a variety of experimental tribunals and projects, the legal system was institutionalized in 1975, with the adoption of a new Constitution. In the intervening years, changes have continued to occur. Judges Professional Judges Professional judges in Cuba are elected for unlimited terms, serving until they are no longer capable or until removed by the electoral body. Persons seeking to become judges are required to pass an examination given by the Ministry of Justice. The requirements to be a judge include age, citizenship, and a requisite amount of legal experience that varies depending upon which court one is to serve on (10 years for Supreme Court; Five years for Provincial Courts; Two years for municipal courts.) Membership in the Cuban Communist Party is not required to be a judge. In 1988, 43% of the judges were not members of the Party. Lay Judges Lay judges serve alongside professional judges in all levels of the judicial system. Candidates for the position of lay judge are nominated in workplace assemblies and are screened by the Ministry of