kúria

Kúria is the Hungarian term for the country’s highest court, the supreme court of appeal. It serves as the final appellate authority for civil, criminal, and administrative cases, reviewing decisions of lower courts to ensure the correct and uniform application of law. Constitutional questions in Hungary are not handled by the Kúria; they fall under the jurisdiction of the Constitutional Court (Alkotmánybíróság).

History and status: The institution has its roots in postwar judicial reforms, and the body functioning as Hungary’s top court has existed since 1949. In 2012, the court was renamed Kúria as part of a broader judicial reform package, while its role as the court of last resort was preserved. The Kúria is based in Budapest.

Organization and function: The Kúria is led by a president and supported by vice presidents and a number of judges who are appointed for long terms. It is organized into chambers specializing in different areas of law, such as civil, criminal, and administrative matters. Rulings are issued by panels of judges and, in appropriate cases, larger formations for important points of law. The court’s function includes setting binding interpretations of law to ensure consistency across the national judiciary. Administrative tasks related to the court’s operation are handled by the National Office for the Judiciary, which supports independence and efficiency.

Etymology and usage: The name derives from Latin curia, meaning court. In Hungarian, kúria has also historically referred to a manor house or the seat of a lord, reflecting the broader historical sense of a seat of authority.