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 Supreme Court exercises the jurisdictions of the Constitutional Court, High Court of Impeachment (Yüce Divan), Court of Appeal and High Administrative Court. The Supreme Election Council is concerned with election administration and supervision, not general judicial appeals.

Principal jurisdictions

• Constitutional Court: reviews the constitutionality of laws and specified instruments.
• High Court of Impeachment (Yüce Divan): tries the President, Prime Minister and ministers for offences connected to their duties under article 144 of the Constitution.
• 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 Election Council: administers and supervises 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.