THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT : The Constitutional Court reviews the constitutionality of laws, government decrees with power of law and by-laws of the Turkish Grand National Ass (Constitution, Art. 148)
THE SUPREME COURT : The Supreme Court is the court of last instance for reviewing the decisions and verdicts rendered by courts of law and in matters not referred by law to other courts of law. It has first and final jurisdiction in specific cases defined by law. (Constitution, Art. 154)
THE COUNCIL OF STATE : The Council of State is the administrative court of last instance for reviewing the decisions and verdicts rendered by administrative courts and in matters not referred to other courts of administration by law. It has first and final jurisdiction in specific cases defined by law.
The Council of State hears and settles administrative disputes and suits, expresses opinions on draft laws submitted by the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, examines draft regulations, specifications and contracts of concessions; and discharges other duties as prescribed by law. (Constitution, Art. 155)
THE MILITARY SUPREME COURT : The Military Supreme Court is the court of the last instance to review decisions and verdicts rendered by military courts. Furthermore, it hears specific cases as a court of the first and last instance involving military matters as prescribed by law. (Constitution, Art. 156)
THE COURT OF JURISDICTIONAL DISPUTES : The Court of Jurisdictional Disputes is empowered to settle disputes among civil, administrative and military courts arising from disagreements on jurisdictional matters and verdicts. (Constitution, Art. 158)
THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF JUDGES AND PUBLIC PROSECUTORS : This Council is formed and functions in accordance with the independency courts and legal guaranty of judges.
The Supreme Council of Judges and Public Prosecutors' powers include the power to accept Judges and public prosecutors into the profession appointing, transferring and promoting judges and prosecutors, vesting them with temporary power, distribution of cadres, giving disciplinary penalties and dismissing and discharging decisions. (Constitution, Art.159)
COURTS : Judicial power is exercised by independent courts on behalf of the Turkish nation. Judges are independent in the execution of their duties. They pass judgement in accordance with the Constitution, law, justice and their personal convictions.
No organ, office, agency or individual may give orders or instructions to courts or judges in connection with the execution of their judicial duty, nor may send them circulars or make recommendations or suggestions. (Constitution, Arts 9 and 138)
The judicial system as it exists today is based on Law No.469 dated 1340 (1924) which abolished religious courts and reorganized the judicial system. After various modifications, the system has taken the following form.
CRIMINAL COURTS
State security courts
High criminal courts
Criminal courts of primary instance
Peace courts of criminal jurisdiction.
Traffic courts
Court of enforcement
Juvenile courts
CIVIL COURTS
Civil courts of primary instance
Peace courts of civil jurisdiction
Courts of commerce instance
Courts - bailiffs
Labor courts
Courts of cadaster
PUBLIC PROSECUTOR : There is a public prosecutor at each criminal court of primary instance assigned to open and proceed with public suits.
CONVICT : A person who has been convicted of a crime by the courts.