Spain's Justice System Modernization in the Canary Islands

Overview

The Spanish government has approved a new plan to modernize the justice system in the Canary Islands by transforming local courts into Justice Offices. This change, guided by the Organic Law 1/2025 passed earlier this year, aims to streamline judicial services at the municipal level.

The transition will happen in three phases, starting from July and ending in December 2025, with the final step involving converting Justice Offices into their respective Judicial Offices.

Goals and Impact

• Make justice more accessible and efficient for residents, especially in smaller municipalities.
• Help local authorities handle administrative justice functions more directly, reducing bureaucratic delays.
• Some Justice Offices may assume responsibilities traditionally held by judicial courts, although such changes won’t occur before January 2026 and will depend on workload and union negotiations.

Official Resolution and Implementation

The official resolution formalizes the staff organization for these new offices, aligning them with regional and national regulations to ensure proper functioning.

This overhaul reflects Spain’s commitment to decentralizing justice services, making it easier for residents to access legal support and reducing the burden on larger courts.

Benefits for the Community

• More localized, efficient justice services for Canary Islands communities.
• Easier access to legal support for residents and expats.

Summary

This reform marks a significant step toward enhancing judicial accessibility and efficiency at the municipal level in the Canary Islands, with phased implementation well underway.