Constitution Flag of Belgiumīelgium became independent in 1830 after Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo and in the Southern Netherlands. Belgium also accepted the individual complaints procedure a few weeks after ratification, in July 1955. Also, Belgium signed the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in November 1950, which is the day of its adoption, and finally ratified it in June 1955. Belgium has applied European legislation and given regard to decisions of the European Court of Justice. Law system in Belgium gradually developed with constitutional reforms since 1970. This remained unchanged since Belgium became a state in 1830. It was implemented in Belgium after Napoleon conquests in 1795. French codes are the typical example of a legal system in Belgium affected by conquests of France. The major clauses generally have remained unaltered. This change started to produce satisfactory results from the early industrialization in the 19th century. Belgium endeavored to make changes and amendments in their legal system which are mostly in French, Dutch and German. The Belgian state was formed as a constitutional monarchy in 1830, after a long period of domination by France, from 1714 to 1814.
See also: History of Belgium An ancien régime outdoor court, reconstructed at Bokrijk based on an original at Oudenaarde
