6 Proposals from Lawyers to Improve Justice in Cyprus

The administration of justice in Cyprus faces persistent challenges that concern both officials and legal professionals. To address these issues, the Cyprus Bar Association has submitted a memorandum to the President of the Republic and the Supreme Constitutional Court outlining six key proposals aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of the justice system.

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1. Specialization of Judges
Assigning judges permanently to either civil or criminal courts, rather than rotating every 2–3 years, would increase the speed and quality of decisions.

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2. Enforcement of Decisions
Many court rulings remain unenforced due to insufficient enforcement mechanisms and restrictive legislation. A bill addressing this issue, developed with the Bar Association’s input, should be urgently submitted to Parliament.

3. Staff Shortages
A severe lack of clerks, stenographers, and ushers delays the printing of decrees and decisions, creating backlogs that can last months or even years.

4. Technological Gaps
The justice system suffers from a near-total lack of modern technology. Immediate implementation of simple digital tools for routine court proceedings is essential.

5. Inadequate Facilities
Court buildings, particularly in Nicosia, are outdated and problem-prone. The construction of a new, modern facility has been delayed for decades.

6. Independent Court Administration
A dedicated administrative body should handle daily operational issues, relieving Supreme Court judges from these responsibilities and ensuring smoother court operations.

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