Aruba's legal system, like the Dutch system is a Roman law origin, Napoleonic code based system. Therefore, Aruban law is similar to Dutch law in many respects. The civil code and code of civil procedure, for example, are highly similar to the Dutch codes.

Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which means its legal system is heavily based on the Dutch civil law tradition, but with significant local modifications. In 2026, Aruba enjoys a high degree of internal autonomy, with its own Parliament and Prime Minister responsible for local legislation, education, and health. However, because it remains under the broader umbrella of the Kingdom, certain "Kingdom matters"—most notably defense, foreign affairs, and citizenship—are regulated by the Kingdom Council of Ministers in the Netherlands. The judiciary is also linked; while Aruba has its own Court of First Instance, the final court of appeal is the Supreme Court of the Netherlands in The Hague. Basic rights and freedoms are protected by the Aruban Constitution, which aligns with the European Convention on Human Rights. This legal "hybrid" allows Aruba to maintain its unique Caribbean identity and local governance while benefiting from the stability and international standing of the Dutch legal framework and its associated protections for residents and investors.