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Cyprus
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Organisation of justice – Judicial systems
Administration of courts
Cyprus was a British colony until 1960. The legal system established was based almost entirely on the English legal system and legislation adopted the principles of common law and equity.
The legal system that has been in force since the Republic of Cyprus was established retains the influence of the English legal system. The courts of the Republic of Cyprus apply the following laws:
- the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus (Sýntagma tis Kypriakís Dimokratías);
- the laws retained by virtue of Article 188 of the Constitution;
- the principles of common law and the principles of equity;
- the laws passed by the House of Representatives (Voulí ton Antiprosópon);
- secondary legislation.
Following the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union in 2004, the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus was amended so that European law has supremacy.
Types of courts – a short description
There are three levels of courts in Cyprus. The Supreme Court (Anótato Dikastírio) and Supreme Constitutional Court (Anótato Syntagmatikó Dikastírio) (third instance, or as provided for by the Constitution and relevant legislation), the Court of Appeal (Efeteío) (second instance) and the courts of first instance, as set out below:
- SUPREME COURT and SUPREME CONSTITUTIONAL COURT
- COURT OF APPEAL
- DISTRICT COURTS (EPARCHIAKÁ DIKASTÍRIA)
- ASSIZE COURTS (KAKOURGIODIKEÍA)
- ADMINISTRATIVE COURT (DIOIKITIKÓ DIKASTÍRIO)
- INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION ADMINISTRATIVE COURT (DIOIKITIKÓ DIKASTÍRIO DIETHNOÚS PROSTASÍAS)
- FAMILY COURTS (OIKOGENEIAKÁ DIKASTÍRIA)
- RENT CONTROL TRIBUNALS (DIKASTÍRIO ELÉNCHOU ENOIKIÁSEON)
- INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES TRIBUNALS (DIKASTÍRIA ERGATIKÓN DIAFORÓN)
- MILITARY COURT (STRATIOTIKÓ DIKASTÍRIO)
- COMMERCIAL COURT (EMPORIKÓ DIKASTÍRIO)
- ADMIRALTY COURT (NAFTODIKEÍO)
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 and secondary legislation.
Related links
Last update:
17/04/2024
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