Chapter 12

In short

This law, called the "Code of Organization and Civil Procedure," is about organizing the courts and setting out the rules for civil legal cases. It aims to amend and combine previous laws on these topics.

What it regulates

• The structure and types of civil courts in Malta.
• The jurisdiction (authority) of superior and inferior courts.
• The composition of superior and inferior courts, including the number of judges and magistrates.
• Rules of conduct for judges regarding communication about pending or upcoming cases.

Who it concerns

• Anyone involved in civil legal matters in Malta.
• Judges, magistrates, advocates, and legal procurators in the Maltese court system.

Key points

• The civil courts in Malta are either superior or inferior.
• The superior courts are the Civil Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Constitutional Court.
• The inferior courts are the Court of Magistrates (Malta) and the Court of Magistrates (Gozo).
• The jurisdiction of superior courts is general for Malta, while inferior courts have limited jurisdiction to particular places.
• Judges of the Superior Courts shall be thirteen or such greater number as the President of Malta may prescribe.
• Judges are generally prohibited from communicating directly or indirectly with parties or their representatives about pending or upcoming cases outside of open court.