Constitutional Law
How Are Courts Organised in the TRNC?
District, Assize and Family Courts, the Supreme Court and the distinction between trial and appeal.
One judiciary, two levels
TRNC courts comprise the Supreme Court and lower courts in a unified, two-level structure. The Supreme Court exercises several constitutional jurisdictions; these are not entirely separate institutions. Jurisdiction follows the subject matter and governing statute.
Lower courts
| Court | Main function |
|---|---|
| District Court | Civil claims and criminal matters within its statutory jurisdiction |
| Assize Court | Serious criminal cases assigned by law |
| Family Court | Marriage, divorce and other family matters within its jurisdiction |
Supreme Court jurisdictions
| Capacity | Main function |
|---|---|
| Court of Appeal | Permitted civil and criminal appeals from lower courts |
| Constitutional Court | Constitutional review and other constitutional functions |
| High Court of Impeachment (Yüce Divan) | Tries the President, Prime Minister and ministers for offences related to their duties under article 144 of the Constitution |
| High Administrative Court | Challenges to administrative decisions, acts and omissions |
| Supreme Election Council | Election administration and supervision only; not a separate court of appeal |
Trial and appeal
The first-instance court hears and decides the matter. The Supreme Court, acting as Court of Appeal, reviews decisions where the law permits an appeal. Section 37 of the Courts Law sets out its general appellate jurisdiction; civil and criminal procedure then follows separate rules. Administrative and constitutional proceedings have distinct jurisdictions and time limits.
Choosing the forum
- 01Classify the claim
Determine whether it is civil, criminal, family, administrative or constitutional.
- 02Check the statute
Identify subject-matter and territorial jurisdiction and any exceptions.
- 03File in the proper court
Use the competent lower court or the constitutionally assigned higher jurisdiction.
- 04Check any remedy after judgment
Assess appealability, filing rules and the time limit for the specific order.
Sources
Relevant legislation and official sources
KKTC Mahkemeleri — kurumsal yapıConstitution of the TRNC9/1976 Mahkemeler YasasıThis publication is for general information and does not constitute legal advice on a particular matter. Legislation and case law may change. Seek legal assistance promptly, especially where a court or application deadline may apply.