Cyprus has a common law legal system based on British law.
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Cyprus has a common law legal system based on British law. This means that the country’s legal system relies on precedent-based decisions made by judges in the past. Cyprus was a British colony until 1960 and adopted the English legal system during that time. Some notable differences between the Cypriot legal system and the British legal system include rules of evidence, the role of the judge in criminal proceedings, and the right to trial by jury.
According to Lawyer Monthly, “Cyprus is known to put a strong focus on maintaining independence and impartiality in its judicial system.” This dedication to justice has helped to establish Cyprus as a leading financial center in Europe and the world.
Interesting facts about the Cypriot legal system include:
Cyprus is a member of the European Union, which has had an impact on the country’s legal system and has necessitated the adoption of certain EU laws.
The Cypriot court system includes district courts, administrative courts, and the Supreme Court.
In Cyprus, the legal profession is split into two branches: advocates and barristers. Advocates act as solicitors and handle the day-to-day legal matters for clients, while barristers handle court appearances and pleadings.
Although the official language of Cyprus is Greek, English is widely spoken throughout the country and is the language of the legal system.
Table:
Type of Court
Jurisdiction
District Courts
Civil and criminal cases with less than €170,000 at stake
Administrative Courts
Judicial review of administrative decisions
Supreme Court
Appeals from lower courts and high-level criminal and civil cases
In the words of renowned legal scholar, Sir William Blackstone, “The law is the embodiment of the moral sentiment of the people.” Cyprus’ commitment to justice and impartiality in its legal system reflects the country’s values of fairness and equality for all.
See a video about the subject
This video discusses the judicial system of Cyprus, which has a mixed legal system applying English common law in the domain of private law and Greek administrative law in public law. The judiciary is independent and protected by the principle of separation of powers. The Supreme Court has the power to hear and determine references on the constitutionality of proposed legislation before enactment by the President. Cyprus places a high value on fundamental rights and liberties, and European laws are integrated into the country’s legal framework. The judicial system is considered high-quality and fair, with judges appointed by an independent council of judges.
The law of Cyprus (Greek: Κυπριακό Δίκαιο) is a legal system which applies within the Republic of Cyprus. Although Cypriot law is extensively codified, it is still heavily based on English common law in the sense that the fundamental principle of precedent applies.
Cyprus’ legal system is based on the English Common Law principles, and is widely considered as business-friendly, effective and fair. It ensures transparency and reliability as it is based on well-established business practices followed in the global financial centres.
The law of Cyprus (Greek: Κυπριακό Δίκαιο) is a legal system which applies within the Republic of Cyprus. Although Cypriot law is extensively codified, it is still heavily based on English common law in the sense that the fundamental principle of precedent applies. Does England have a mixed legal system?
Relevant information
And did you know that,Cyprus law and the Cyprus legal system have been bestowed upon us by the British when on the independence of Cyprus left us with a heritage of more than 1000 years of uninterrupted legal evolution.Further development of the Cyprus law has been on similar specifications. Our Law Office is manned by expert Lawyers who will advise you on any legal problem involving Cyprus Law. We thank you.
And did you know:Cyprus has specific laws that refer specifically to immovable property. The first and most important law for the protection of private property is the Immovable Property Law or Chapter 224.The Cypriot Civil Code also contains provisions regarding the protection of private property. If you want to buy a property and need legal assistance you can rely on our attorneys in Cyprus.
Interesting fact:Cyprus has a two-tier justice system, meaning that between the first instance courts and the supreme court there is no intermediate judicial remedies.All appeals are heard by the Supreme Court and this is why it is often also referred to as the Appellate Court. District Courts have a Civil Division and a Criminal Division. [4] [5] [6]
People also ask
What is the legal system in Cyprus?
The legal system in Cyprus is mainly based in the English judicial system, as Cyprus was a British colony. The applicable laws in judicial matters in Cyprus are the Constitution, the laws of Article 188 in the Constitution, the Common Law and Equity and the laws enabled by the House of Representatives.
Is Cyprus a mixed legal system?
Answer will be: Cyprus presents us with its own kind of a mixed legal system: its private law is mostly common law, long codified in statutes. Its public law derives from the continental tradition. Procedural law is purely common law—a major factor in the mutation of the “continental” elements of the legal system.
How is the court structured in Cyprus?
Judicial System of Cyprus The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal and rules on constitutional issues. The other organs of justice include the District Court, Assize Court, Family Court, Rent Control Tribunal, Military Court and Industrial Disputes Tribunal.
Does Cyprus have a jury?
Answer to this: All decisions are taken by majority. There is no jury.
What is the legal system in Cyprus?
In reply to that: The legal system in Cyprus is mainly based in the English judicial system, as Cyprus was a British colony. The applicable laws in judicial matters in Cyprus are the Constitution, the laws of Article 188 in the Constitution, the Common Law and Equity and the laws enabled by the House of Representatives.
When did British laws and legal system come into force in Cyprus?
In reply to that: By the Court of Justice Law 1960 article 29 (1) (c) the British laws and legal system were preserved for use in the Republic of Cyprus when it was established in 1960. Also Cyprus Parliament in the Constitution in article 188.1 keeps in force all the laws and the legal system created by the British Crown in Cyprus until 1960.
Is Cyprus a mixed jurisdiction?
As a response to this: The legal system of Cyprus – an independent country since 1960 and EU Member State since 2004 – both confirms and challenges the basic premises of mixed jurisdiction theory. Not unlike the "classic" mixed jurisdictions, the law of Cyprus is built on the twin foundations of common law and continental law, each in control of different legal subjects.
What is the bijurality of Cyprus law?
As an answer to this: Like all major mixed legal systems, the bijurality of Cyprus law has been founded upon a transfer of sovereignty: from British colonial rule (1878-1960) to independence. It has also been strengthened, and challenged, by the bilingualism of the system and the power politics of the legal elites.
What is the legal system in Cyprus?
Response: The legal system in Cyprus is mainly based in the English judicial system, as Cyprus was a British colony. The applicable laws in judicial matters in Cyprus are the Constitution, the laws of Article 188 in the Constitution, the Common Law and Equity and the laws enabled by the House of Representatives.
Is Cyprus a mixed jurisdiction?
The legal system of Cyprus – an independent country since 1960 and EU Member State since 2004 – both confirms and challenges the basic premises of mixed jurisdiction theory. Not unlike the "classic" mixed jurisdictions, the law of Cyprus is built on the twin foundations of common law and continental law, each in control of different legal subjects.
When did British laws and legal system come into force in Cyprus?
In reply to that: By the Court of Justice Law 1960 article 29 (1) (c) the British laws and legal system were preserved for use in the Republic of Cyprus when it was established in 1960. Also Cyprus Parliament in the Constitution in article 188.1 keeps in force all the laws and the legal system created by the British Crown in Cyprus until 1960.
Is Cyprus based on French law?
The response is: In the fields of public and administrative law, Cyprus has followed the approach found in Greek law, which in turn is based on French administrative law. In both substance and procedure, Cyprus administrative law draws from the example of the French Conseil d’état.
