Supreme Court’s 2024 Annual Review Highlights Judicial Reforms
The Supreme Court of Cyprus has published its 2024 Annual Review, outlining what it describes as significant institutional and procedural reforms across the judiciary. This is the first review following the restructuring of the judiciary in July 2023, which the Court characterises as one of the most substantial transformations in the administration of justice since the Republic’s establishment. The very publication of an annual review can be regarded as a positive development in itself, signalling an increased commitment to transparency, accountability and the regular assessment of judicial performance.
According to the Review, one of the key developments was the division of the former Supreme Court into two separate bodies: the Supreme Constitutional Court, composed of nine judges, and the Supreme Court, composed of seven judges, which now acts as the third-instance appellate court for civil and criminal matters. The reforms also reportedly established a dedicated Court of Appeal with 16 judges, which, the Court notes, is intended to enhance the efficiency and predictability of appellate review.
The Review further states that significant progress has been achieved in reducing judicial delays. It reports a 61% reduction in cases filed before 31 December 2018, a 33% reduction in cases filed between January 2019 and June 2022, and an overall 46% clearance rate of delayed civil cases and appeals.
However, it should be noted that other independent research presents a less optimistic picture, suggesting that systemic delays remain a persistent issue affecting litigants and the effective delivery of justice. This divergence highlights the need for continued monitoring and further reforms to ensure that improvements claimed at an institutional level are reflected in practical outcomes for court users.
The Annual Review also highlights the introduction of the new Civil Procedure Rules on 1 September 2023, which, according to the Court, modernise case management by granting judges greater procedural control and streamlining processes to facilitate faster and more cost-effective adjudication. Efforts to digitise judicial operations are also described as ongoing, with the Review noting initial challenges with the e-Justice platform but outlining plans for the implementation of an integrated case management information system.
Additional measures referenced include a bill introducing mandatory mediation for civil disputes of up to €10,000, which the Court says aims to reduce caseloads and promote alternative dispute resolution. The Review also refers to the Cyprus Judicial School’s expansion of its professional development programme, with 13 specialised seminars organised in collaboration with institutions such as the European Union Agency for Asylum and the U.S. Department of Justice, covering topics including evidence assessment, sentencing practices, EU law, and the application of the new procedural rules.
Read the full report here
