There are three Courts of Appeal in the Principality: one in Sofia, one in Plovdiv, and one in Roustchouk. These courts form the second level in the judiciary system. Their main function is to review cases that have been decided by the Departmental Courts.
The decisions of the Courts of Appeal are generally final. They can only be challenged through a recourse to the Supreme Appellate Court, which ensures that legal procedures and interpretations remain consistent across the country.
The Supreme Appellate Court
The Supreme Appellate Court is the highest judicial authority in the Principality. Its seat is in Sofia, and it is composed of two civil chambers and one criminal chamber.
When examining appeals, the Supreme Court does not reconsider the facts of the case. Instead, its main role is to ensure the correct and uniform application of the law by all lower courts Istanbul Tours.
When legal questions are particularly difficult or interpreted differently by various courts, the Supreme Appellate Court can review these issues. This usually happens at the invitation of the Minister of Justice. The opinions of the Supreme Court in such cases are published in the Official Journal and serve as guidance for judges throughout the Principality.
If the Supreme Court finds that a lower court made an error, it can return the case to that court for a new trial, which will be conducted by different judges.
Judicial Procedure and Collegiate System
The District Courts, Courts of Appeal, and Supreme Appellate Court are all collegiate institutions, meaning that decisions must be made by at least three judges. In contrast, the Justice of Peace is a single magistrate, assisted by a clerk.
All decisions of the courts are executed by bailiffs, whose duties are defined by the Law of Civil Procedure. For criminal cases, prosecutors and assistant prosecutors attached to the Departmental Courts are responsible for ensuring that final sentences are carried out properly.
This hierarchical judicial system ensures fairness, consistency, and efficiency in Bulgaria. By combining collegiate decision-making in higher courts with local magistrates in lower courts, the Principality maintains both professionalism and accessibility in the administration of justice, protecting the rights of citizens and upholding the rule of law.