Bulgaria - Judicial system



The 1991 constitution provides for regional courts, district courts, a Supreme Court of Cassation, which rules on decisions by the lower courts, and a Supreme Administrative Court, which rules on the legality of actions by institutions of government. A Constitutional Court is responsible for judicial review of legislation and for resolving issues of competency of the other branches of government as well as impeachments and election law. Judges are appointed by the Supreme Judicial Council. The Constitutional Court has 12 judges appointed to a nine-year term by the National Assembly, the president and judicial authorities.

Military courts handle cases involving military personnel and national security issues. Under the 1991 constitution, the judiciary is independent of the legislative and executive branches. The trials are public. Criminal defendants have the right to confront witnesses, the right to counsel, and the right to know the charges against them to prepare their defense. The constitution prohibits arbitrary interference with privacy, home, or correspondence.

Bulgaria accepts compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: