On 25/07/2025, Law 33/1964 for the operation of the justice system of the Republic of Cyprus was amended, marking a significant milestone in the legal system of the Republic, as it establishes the new Administrative Court of Appeal; a separate appellate Court for administrative matters, which, up until the amendment, were dealt with by the Court of Appeal.
The creation of the new Administrative Court of Appeal, in addition to the division of the Supreme Court and the Supreme Constitutional Court, is a step in the right direction as it will contribute to court and judge specialization in administrative matters and improve the quality and speed of the administration of justice. Specifically, administrative law involves complex issues related to public administration, sovereignty, administrative discretion, implementation of tax regimes and competition law, to name a few. A specialized court fosters expertise among judges, leading to more consistent and nuanced rulings. Furthermore, a system with separate administrative courts, focusing solely on administrative law cases, would reduce backlogs in the Court of Appeal and provide a clearer jurisprudence for administrative actions.
This development will enhance the public’s confidence in the legal system, as an appellate Court specializing in administrative law ensures that violations of rights, unlawful administrative actions, or procedural irregularities are scrutinized effectively, thereby enhancing accountability. Many legal systems in Europe, such as France, Germany, Sweeden and Greece, among others, have recognized the importance of specialized courts for administrative matters, aligning with principles of legal certainty and the rule of law.
Provided the new Administrative Court of Appeal fulfils its mandate, it will contribute to the development of a more specialized and efficient legal system and to the overall better distribution of justice.
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