Cyprus - Supreme Court of Cyprus - EJTN

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the Republic. It is composed of thirteen judges, of whom one is the President. The Supreme Court has the following jurisdictions

Appellate Court

The Supreme Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine all appeals from lower courts in civil and criminal matters. Appeals are heard by a panel of three judges. The hearing of the appeal is based on the record of the proceedings kept in the lower court. The Supreme Court only hears evidence in exceptional and very rare circumstances. In the exercise of its appellate jurisdiction the Supreme Court may uphold, vary or set aside the decision appealed from, or it may order a re-trial.

Review of Administrative decisions

The Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction to hear any recourse filed against a decision, act or omission of any person, organ or authority exercising executive or administrative authority. A decision, act or omission may be annulled on the ground that it is in excess or abuse of any power vested in the administrative organ, or contrary to the provisions of the Constitution.

Prerogative Writs

The Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction to issue the prerogative writs of Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Certiorari, Quo Warranto and Prohibition.

Admiralty

The Supreme Court has original and appellate jurisdiction in admiralty cases. At first instance the case is heard by a single judge of the Supreme Court and on appeal the case is heard by the full bench.

Election Petitions

As an electoral court the Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine petitions concerning the interpretation and application of the electoral laws.

Constitutional Matters

The Supreme Court has jurisdiction to examine the constitutionality of any law or any conflict of power or competence which arises between any organs or authorities of the Republic. In addition the Supreme Court hears and determines any recourse by the President of the Republic regarding the compatibility with the constitution of any law enacted by the House of Representatives.

The seat of the Supreme Court is in Nicosia.