About Cyprus

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Law in Cyprus

The legal system in Cyprus has been understandably influenced by the system used by England & Wales. But despite its ties with Greece, the UK and other countries, (Southern) Cyprus has forged its own identity over the years, culminating in admission to the European Union on 1st May 2004. The constitution of Cyprus proclaims the equality of all persons irrespective of their nationality and includes provisions for the protection of human rights of all persons without discrimination. Any violation by an administrative authority of a person's fundamental rights entitles such person to request this authority to remedy the situation. The administrative authority in this case has a period of 30 days during which it must give a prompt answer to the petitioner.

As a member of the EU, any person not only has access to the Courts in Cyprus, but also the European Court and Commission on Human Rights. Civil law such as the purchase of property in Cyprus is remarkably straight-forward and in the main follows the same procedures as English law.

Litigation through the Courts is not common place, the preferred route being mediation and dispute resolution.

Criminal laws are similar as well to the UK. Laws regarding social behaviour and drink driving are very similar to the UK. However, the Cypriot community has a strong sense of what is socially right; your similar approach will understandably influence the reaction of local people, police officers, lawyers, judges and court officials.