Major Overhaul of Judicial System in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are moving forward with a major overhaul of their judicial system, guided by the Organic Law 1/2025 aimed at boosting efficiency in public justice services.

Key Reforms

• Introduction of a new organizational structure
  • Creation of 'Courts of Instance'
  • Reimagined Judicial Offices
  • Transformation of Justice Offices in local towns
• Overhaul unfolds in phases
  • Latest phase (Phase III) begins in late December 2025
  • Covers six judicial districts
  • Establishes a specialized structure for Provincial Courts and the Canary Islands High Court
• Unified 'common service' approach for various case types
  • Civil, criminal, social, and administrative cases
• Clarification of internal structures
  • Specialized areas such as minors and penitentiary surveillance
  • Procedures from bankruptcy cases

Implementation Details

• Modernizes judicial processes in the islands
• Aims to reduce delays and improve access to justice for residents and visitors

Support and Negotiations

While the changes received support from judicial authorities, negotiations with workers' unions did not reach agreement, prompting the Justice Department to move ahead independently.

Overview

• The reform promises to enhance efficiency and transparency in public justice services across the Canary Islands.