**Court Summer Break Serves Its Purpose, Says Bar Association Boss**
Nicosia, Cyprus – The summer recess observed by courts in Cyprus is an effective system that serves multiple functions, according to Stefanos Skordis, chairman of the Nicosia Bar Association. Speaking on Thursday, Skordis emphasized the importance of this break, which runs from July 10 to September 9 for both the Supreme Court and district courts.
While the courts are officially on break during this period, Skordis clarified that this does not equate to a complete halt in judicial activities. Judges remain available to address urgent matters, and the recess allows legal professionals to manage paperwork and prepare for the upcoming judicial year. “These are not exactly holidays,” he noted, highlighting that while trials are generally not conducted, the judiciary continues to operate in a limited capacity to ensure that pressing issues are attended to.
The summer break in Cyprus aligns with practices in various other European countries, where similar arrangements are implemented in their judicial systems. For instance, in Greece, summer court divisions function from July 1 to September 15, focusing on specific categories of cases to meet the needs of courts and prosecutors. Spain also designates August as a largely non-working month for judicial proceedings, with exceptions made for urgent cases. Italy follows a comparable approach, dealing primarily with labor disputes during August.
Belgium's judicial system closes its courts from July 1 to August 31, with the European e-Justice portal indicating that certain procedural deadlines are postponed until September 15. In Ireland, which shares a common law legal framework with Cyprus, court sittings are limited during judicial holidays, although special sittings can be arranged for urgent matters. The High Court and Circuit Court in Ireland have restricted sittings during August and September, subject to specific exceptions.
The Court of Justice of the European Union also adheres to a similar schedule, suspending proceedings during its judicial holidays from July 16 to August 31, except in cases that require immediate attention.
Skordis expressed confidence in the current system in Cyprus, stating that he sees no need for changes. The summer recess not only facilitates the organization of judicial workloads but also allows legal professionals to recharge and prepare for the challenges of the new judicial year. The structure of the break, with the exception of the last week, does not impact the calculation of procedural deadlines unless otherwise ordered by the court.
As the summer recess approaches, the legal community in Cyprus is preparing for a transition into the next judicial year, with the understanding that while the courts may be on break, the commitment to justice and the management of urgent legal matters continues.