BOOK TWO

In short

This law, the Civil Code of the Republic of Lithuania, defines the scope of civil law in Lithuania, outlining what relationships it regulates and the fundamental principles guiding its application. It also addresses how foreign laws and international treaties are applied within the Lithuanian legal system.

What it regulates

• Property relationships and related personal non-property relationships, as well as family relationships.
• Certain property relationships involving state institutions, taxation, and other obligatory payments, to the extent not regulated by specific public law.
• Labour relationships, where special laws do not provide regulation.
• The application of foreign law and international treaties in civil matters.

Who it concerns

• Individuals and entities involved in property, personal non-property, and family relationships in the Republic of Lithuania.
• State institutions in their exercise of state power functions and in matters of taxation and state budget.

Key points

• Civil relationships are regulated by principles such as equality of rights, inviolability of property, freedom of contract, and comprehensive judicial protection of civil rights.
• Civil rights can only be limited in cases established by laws or court judgments to protect public order, good morals, health, life, property, rights, and lawful interests.
• The Civil Code, other laws, and international treaties of the Republic of Lithuania are sources of civil law; in case of contradictions, the Civil Code generally prevails, unless it defers to other laws or international treaties.
• Ignorance or improper understanding of laws does not exempt from sanctions or justify non-compliance.