"AI systems, or any other technology evolution, are always welcome since they can reduce time and improve efficiency with the ultimate goal for justice to be delivered faster," Antonis R. Liatsos, President of the Supreme Constitutional Court, notes.
In a recent interview with GOLD magazine, he goes on to underline, "However, a strict line must be drawn to ensure that these systems and their use will not interfere in any way with the principle of respect of fundamental rights, including, but not exhaustively, the right of access to a court and the right to a fair trial, which cannot be undermined in any event."
As Cyprus continues to reshape its judicial system, Liatsos also discusses institutional change, constitutional safeguards, case backlogs and AI, and explains why restoring trust remains the judiciary’s greatest responsibility.
Among other things, he suggests, "I believe that, with each passing year, the positive effects of the justice reform in Cyprus are becoming increasingly evident."
It is now three years since the unified Supreme Court was separated into the Supreme Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court. How would you assess the performance of both institutions to date?
The separation of the unified Supreme Court in July 2023 marked a major constitutional reform. Its objectives were to strengthen judicial specialisation, improve efficiency, reinforce constitutional adjudication and introduce stronger institutional checks, reflecting recommendations by the Venice Commission and GRECO.
Although it remains too early for a definitive assessment, I firmly believe that these objectives have been achieved by both courts – to the extent that they could have been achieved within a period of three years, bearing in mind that these are not one-off objectives; they must be fulfilled each and every year. That said, institutional restructuring alone cannot eliminate longstanding delays. Its long-term success depends on continued investment in judicial resources, effective case management, digital transformation and procedural improvements.
The European Commission’s 2025 Rule of Law Report highlighted continuing delays and a substantial backlog of cases in the judicial system. What is your assessment of the Report’s findings and when can citizens realistically expect to see measurable improvements?
I believe that, with each passing year, the positive effects of the justice reform in Cyprus are becoming increasingly evident. While the European Commission’s 2025 Rule of Law Report identified continuing delays and a substantial backlog of cases, these challenges were precisely among the main reasons for undertaking the reform.
Since its re-establishment on 1 July 2023, the Supreme Constitutional Court has also been exercising the jurisdiction of the Administrative Court of Appeal under transitional legislative provisions, with the aim of expediting pending cases and reducing the backlog.
In addition, at the end of 2025, a Procedural Regulation was adopted requiring judgments to be delivered as expeditiously as possible and, in any event, within six months, while interlocutory decisions must be issued within two months.
Measurable improvements should become increasingly visible as reforms mature, electronic case management becomes fully operational and new procedures are embedded. Sustainable progress requires consistent implementation and adequate funding as well as continuous monitoring, rather than expectations of immediate transformation.
To what extent do you believe that expanding the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms could help reduce the longstanding case backlog and ease the burden on the higher courts?
ADR is an essential element of a modern justice system. Mediation and arbitration can resolve many civil, commercial and family disputes more quickly, at lower cost and often with greater satisfaction for the parties. This allows courts to concentrate on cases requiring authoritative judicial determination. However, ADR is not a universal solution. Constitutional, criminal and many public law disputes must remain within the judicial process.
The objective should therefore be complementarity. Well-regulated, accessible and professionally managed ADR can significantly reduce unnecessary litigation while preserving full respect for parties’ rights and access to justice. However, awareness-raising efforts should be further strengthened as experience to date has demonstrated that citizens may encounter difficulties in placing their trust in alternative dispute resolution methods to the same extent as they do in judicial proceedings before the courts. Enhancing public confidence in such mechanisms constitutes a fundamental prerequisite for their wider acceptance and effective implementation.
Despite the significant judicial reforms implemented in recent years, concerns continue to be raised in European reports regarding the efficiency of the country’s justice system. What further steps do you believe are necessary for Cyprus to be fully aligned with European best practices on judicial independence, efficiency and accountability?
The recent judicial reforms have established a strong institutional framework but their full impact will become evident over time. A key achievement has been the creation of two Judicial Councils, enabling mutual oversight of decisions on judicial appointments, promotions and discipline, thereby strengthening judicial independence and accountability.
The Supreme Constitutional Court has also adopted Procedural Regulations, Guidelines and Judicial Practices to promote consistency, efficiency and transparency. These include binding time limits for the delivery of judgments, with disciplinary consequences for non-compliance. Looking ahead, the continued development of practical guidance, including Guidelines on the responsible use of AI systems by judges, will further enhance efficiency while preserving judicial independence.
Accessible judgments, greater institutional transparency and better public understanding of judicial processes all contribute to confidence in the justice system. These measures will help Cyprus progressively align with European best practices.
You have spoken about the potential of AI and digital justice. In your view, where should AI assist judges and where should it never be allowed to replace human judgement?
AI systems, or any other technology evolution, are always welcome since they can reduce time and improve efficiency with the ultimate goal for justice to be delivered faster. However, a strict line must be drawn to ensure that these systems and their use will not interfere in any way with the principle of respect of fundamental rights, including, but not exhaustively, the right of access to a court and the right to a fair trial, which cannot be undermined in any event.
That said, decision-making, evaluation, assessment and legal reasoning lie exclusively with judges. In this regard, as I have already stated, we are currently in the process of drafting Guidelines on the Use of AI systems. These Guidelines are intended to provide guidance to members of the judiciary while also making it explicit that the indiscriminate, improper use of AI in the exercise of judicial functions is not permissible and will not be accepted or tolerated.
It is a given that everyone is equal before the law and no-one is “untouchable” but, according to the findings of the 2025 Special Eurobarometer on Corruption, public perceptions of corruption in Cyprus remain alarmingly high. What role can the judiciary – and the Supreme Constitutional Court in particular – play in restoring public trust in the rule of law and state institutions?
Public confidence in the justice system depends not on statements but on the consistent application of the law. The judiciary’s role is to ensure that every case is decided impartially, independently and solely on the basis of the law and the evidence, regardless of the status or position of those involved. No-one should be above the law.
At the same time, judicial accountability and transparency are essential to maintaining public trust. The recent reforms, including enhanced oversight mechanisms, clear procedural standards and measures promoting the timely delivery of judgments, contribute to strengthening confidence in the administration of justice.
As previously stated, the doctrine that all people are equal before the law constitutes a fundamental principle of the Rule of Law. The Cypriot Courts have demonstrated their commitment to this principle in practice, as evidenced, inter alia, by cases in which political figures, ministers and independent state officials have been removed from office and/or convicted on criminal counts.
Ultimately, public trust will be restored through consistent judicial practice demonstrating that politicians, judges and ordinary citizens are all subject to the same legal standards.
This interview first appeared in the August edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.
