National ordinary courts

There are only two levels of courts in the Republic of Cyprus. The Supreme Court (Ανώτατο Δικαστήριο), which hears at second instance all cases in which appeals are lodged against a decision of a court of first instance, and the following courts of first instance:

• Administrative Court (Διοικητικό Δικαστήριο)
• District Courts (Επαρχιακά Δικαστήρια)
• Assize Courts (Κακουργιοδικεία)
• Family Court (Οικογενειακό Δικαστήριο)
• Rent Control Tribunal (Δικαστήριο Ελέγχου Ενοικιάσεων)
• Industrial Dispute Tribunal (Δικαστήριο Εργατικών Διαφορών), and
• Military Court (Στρατοδικείο)

General courts – Introduction

• Supreme Court

The Supreme Court consists of 13 judges, one of whom is the President of the Court. The Supreme Court has the following jurisdiction:

Appellate Court (Εφετείο)

The Supreme Court hears all appeals against decisions handed down by courts of first instance that exercise jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters. As a rule, appeals are heard by three judges. The hearing of appeals is based on the records of the proceedings at first instance (except in very exceptional cases where witness testimony may also be heard). Exercising its appellate jurisdiction, the Supreme Court may uphold, alter or overturn the contested decision, or it may order a retrial.

Review of administrative decisions

The Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction to hear appeals filed against any decision, act or omission of persons or bodies exercising administrative authority. The Supreme Court may annul any enforceable administrative act served in respect of an infringement or misuse of powers or which is contrary to law or the Constitution.

Prerogative writs (Προνομιακά Εντάλματα)

The Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction to issue the prerogative writs of Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Certiorari, Quo Warranto and Prohibition.

Admiralty (Ναυτοδικείου)

The Supreme Court has first instance and appellate jurisdiction in admiralty cases. At first instance cases are heard by a single judge and on appeal cases are heard by the full court.

Election petitions (Εκλογοδικείου)

As an electoral court, the Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction to hear petitions concerning the interpretation and application of electoral laws.

Constitutional matters

The Supreme Court has jurisdiction to rule on the constitutionality of any law and to resolve conflicts of power or competence which arise between the various organs of State. The Supreme Court also rules on the constitutionality of laws in connection with which the President of the Republic exercises his or her constitutional right of recourse.

• District Courts (Επαρχιακά Δικαστήρια)

The District Courts hear at first instance all civil cases (except for admiralty cases) and criminal cases for offences punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to five years. Each administrative district in Cyprus has a District Court. Cases are heard by one judge and there is no jury.

• Assize Courts (Κακουργιοδικεία)

The Assize Courts hear criminal cases only. As a rule they try the most serious cases involving offences that are punishable by a term of imprisonment of over five years. Each Assize Court consists of three judges. Decisions are taken by majority vote. There is no jury.

Legal databases

There is not yet an official legal database. There are a number of private legal databases, some of which offer subscriber services while others provide free access.

They contain information on court decisions and primary legislation.

Related links

Supreme Court of Cyprus