The Structure of the Supreme Court of the TRNC

One institution, different judicial capacities

Under the Constitution and Courts Law, the Supreme Court is the country’s highest judicial institution. The same judges may sit, according to the matter, as the Constitutional Court, Court of Appeal, High Administrative Court or Supreme Electoral Council.

Principal jurisdictions

• Constitutional Court: reviews the constitutionality of laws and specified instruments.
• Court of Appeal: hears civil and criminal appeals and other applications provided by law.
• High Administrative Court: reviews decisions, acts and omissions of bodies exercising public power.
• Supreme Electoral Council: performs constitutional duties concerning the conduct and supervision of elections.

Composition and judges

The Court consists of its President and the number of Supreme Court judges prescribed by law. The panel and number of judges vary with the proceeding. Appointment, tenure and discipline are governed by constitutional safeguards for judicial independence.

First instance and appeal

The Supreme Court does not hear every dispute at first instance. Civil and criminal cases ordinarily begin in the competent lower court and reach the Court of Appeal later. Constitutional and administrative jurisdiction follows the original powers conferred by the Constitution.