gjyqësor

Gjyqësor is the Albanian term for the judiciary, the branch of government responsible for interpreting and applying laws, resolving disputes, and ensuring due process. It denotes the system of courts, prosecutors’ offices, and related institutions that administer justice at all levels of the state.

In Albania, the Gjyqësor encompasses a hierarchy of courts and specialized bodies. Core components include the Constitutional Court (Gjykata Kushtetuese), which rules on constitutional matters; the Supreme Court (Gjykata e Lartë), the highest appellate court; district and appellate courts handling civil, criminal, and administrative cases; and prosecutors’ offices that pursue charges and oversee criminal investigations. The judiciary operates alongside administrative and commercial courts, as well as administrative review mechanisms that may exist within the public sector.

Key principles associated with the Gjyqësor are independence, impartiality, and the separation of powers. Judges and prosecutors are expected to be independent from political influence, with tenure or protected appointments to safeguard impartial decision‑making. The system emphasizes fair trial rights, due process, and equal protection under the law, along with procedures for accountability and discipline within the judiciary.

Reforms and contemporary context: In the 2010s, Albania undertook a comprehensive justice reform aimed at strengthening judicial independence, transparency, and efficiency, and at aligning with European Union standards. This included the establishment or reconfiguration of independent oversight and appointment bodies, such as a High Judicial Council and a High Prosecution Council, as well as the Council for the Appointment in Justice. These changes sought to reduce political influence, improve case management, and enhance public trust in the Gjyqësor, though challenges such as case backlogs and further institutional alignment have continued to be addressed.