European day of Civil Justice.
On October 29, 2024, Xenion High School students had the unique and special opportunity to participate in an event dedicated to the European Civil Justice Day, organizing a trip to the local Cypriot court under the supervision of their law teacher. A significant observance aimed at raising awareness throughout the students and all European people to emphasize how crucial and important civil justice is in the European Union. The event allowed students to immerse into the environment of trial procedures, providing them exceptional experience to see the structure of the courts, workings of the legal system as well as attend one of the hearings in the criminal court, bringing them face-to-face with wide and complicated world of the EU's justice.
By Elina Subbotina (Year 6)
First things first, the celebration of European Civil Justice Day is marked on October 25 in 2003 and was established by the European Union to spread awareness and understanding of citizens' rights in civil justice throughout the whole union. Yet, the date is not just a random day from the calendar, because it highlights the anniversary of the entry into force of the European Judicial Network in civil and commercial cases and therefore aims, to establish cooperation between judicial systems in different parts of the EU.
Nowadays, it is celebrated every year to let the citizens of the European Union be closer to EU justice system and to inform them on their rights. Cyprus is celebrating the European Civil Justice Day with the whole Union, respectively coordinating its legal system with EU law and regulations, which has favorably affected areas of consumer protection and environmental law in the county.
Cyprus is also bound by the European Convention on Human Rights which has remarkably increased protection of rights and freedoms for thousands of people on the island. Generally speaking, European Union has positively influenced legal system in Cyprus and established modernized justice system with access to it, for every citizen.
~Famagusta District Court
For years, Xenion High school has been participating in this fascinating event, which in recent times, started taking place in Famagusta District Court, located in the area of Paralimni.
Behind the massive doors of the building, which is carefully guarded against objects and people, lies a whole world of justice, filled with seriousness and responsibility. The first impression of the student who finds themselves inside is an immediate realization that everything once read in textbooks becomes a reality. Each department, operating within the framework of criminal and civil court proceedings, has its own unique atmosphere and interpretation of the law, all of which can be observed with great interest and attention.
The courtroom, where the group also had the chance to visit, left a particularly strong impression. It was a spacious room, furnished with chairs for the audience, and, of course, the most important place — for the judge. The judge's bench stood elevated in the center of the room, symbolizing the authority and importance of judicial power. Next to the judge were the recorders, who carefully noted everything said during the proceedings to ensure accuracy and completeness of the official records.
The students had the opportunity to attend a criminal court session, where a case was being heard involving a man accused of harassment toward the domestic worker in his own home. The defendant was facing a sentence of almost a year in prison. This trial became a vivid and practical example of how legal theory is applied in practice and also highlighted the importance of maintaining the rule of law in all situations.
This experience was a true success. The students not only became acquainted with the inner workings of the court but also came to understand how crucial every step is in the pursuit of justice. It was an unforgettable and invaluable experience that will undoubtedly aid the students in their further studies of law and justice.
