It is a great pleasure to be here today in front of such a distinguished audience and among distinguished and experienced speakers on such an important issue as the more efficient and faster administration of justice.
The administration of justice is, as you all know, one of the most important pillars of the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. At the same time, an effective justice system supports economic and social development. On the contrary, delays are a major obstacle to the efficient functioning of the judicial system, having a negative impact both on citizens involved in judicial proceedings and on key sectors such as the economy, entrepreneurship, competitiveness, foreign investment, affecting the reputation of our country as an international business hub offering high quality professional services to both local businesses and foreign companies. When the judicial system guarantees the recognition of rights within a reasonable time frame, then the market will have confidence in it, a climate of certainty and predictability will be created, allowing businesses and investors to move forward, with all the positive consequences for the economy and society.
Unfortunately, the view currently shared by all parties involved in the administration of justice is that the speed with which it is delivered is far from satisfactory. This conclusion is shared by citizens and businesses here in Cyprus, as well as by European and international organisations. Cyprus is among the lowest performing countries in the European Union in terms of the time required for the adjudication of civil cases and, unfortunately, there is a significant accumulation of such cases, both at first and second instance.
Of course, at this point, I would like to stress that the lack of speedy adjudication of cases should in no way be interpreted as a failure to deliver quality, reliability and impartiality. The Cyprus Judiciary has always enjoyed a reputation for impartiality and independence.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As a State, we recognise our obligation to have a time and quality efficient judicial system, by creating the necessary conditions to this end. For this very reason, we have made it our priority to continue and further promote the modernization of the structures and framework governing the operation of the justice system in our country.
This includes our support for both the creation of new courts and the change of structures or their strengthening within existing courts.
As you will be aware, on 1 July 2023 the new Supreme Constitutional Court and the new High Court of Justice become operational, with both of these courts being granted additional third-tier jurisdiction in specific cases. At the same time, the Court of Appeal, which will be the appellate jurisdiction and will operate in specialised divisions for the rapid adjudication of appeals, will become operational.
It is also expected that the Commercial Court and the Maritime Court will become operational and will take over the adjudication, with expedited procedures, of high value commercial disputes (over two million euros) and all maritime cases. The creation of these Courts, in addition to its impact on reducing the time for the administration of justice, is expected, together with the possibility of using the English language, to contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of Cyprus as a centre of quality service provision and to attracting foreign investment.
At the same time, various projects are underway within the Courts. Immediate priority has been given to the work of clearing the backlog of cases in the Courts, while at the same time the digitization of the Courts is being promoted, with its full implementation expected within 2023, serving the operation of the Courts in a difficult time. At the same time, the Acoustic Digital Recording of Minutes of Court Sessions is being promoted, with the implementation of the project scheduled for 2025.
Another very important project will be the implementation of the new Civil Procedure Regulations, which will enter into force on 1 September 2023, with new simplified procedures in civil cases, where the greatest delay in the adjudication time is observed. With their implementation, significant cost and time savings are expected.
An equally important project is that of the efficient administration of the Courts, through a new structure consisting of people with the necessary qualifications and specialties for this purpose.
Let us not forget the successful operation of the School of Judges, essential to ensure the quality of the administration of justice.
In the projects I have mentioned above, I know that Mr. Erotokritou, former Judge of the Supreme Court, Director of the School of Magistrates and until recently also Director of Court Reform.
In addition to what I have mentioned, the Ministry of Justice and Public Order is currently drafting bills aimed at strengthening the primary jurisdiction, which we have already put out for consultation with the aim of submitting them soon to the House of Representatives for debate and vote. This includes the strengthening of alternative dispute resolution, as well as the strengthening of legislation on the enforcement of court decisions. At the same time, we are re-consulting on a bill that amends the Courts Act and provides for an increase in the range of jurisdiction of the District and Senior District Judges, which will provide more flexibility in the system.
Friends,
In closing, I wish to assure you that the Ministry of Justice and Public Order will seek close and effective cooperation with its "natural partners", namely the Supreme Court, the Bar and the Legal Service, to complete the pending issues, as well as to prepare and promote many others, in order to further upgrade and effectively operate the justice system.
I believe that only if we all work together with a positive approach will the desired results be achieved in our judicial system and both citizens and businesses will finally feel the benefits. Each of us in our own field. Government, the judiciary, the legal profession and business. After all, we all have a common goal, the speedy and quality administration of justice.
Thank you.
(AF/EXP)
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Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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