mahkeme

Mahkeme is the formal judicial body of Turkish law responsible for interpreting and applying laws, deciding disputes, and issuing binding judgments. It is a public institution whose decisions may affect individuals, organizations, and public authorities. The term denotes both the venue where hearings occur and the body of judges that hear cases. The word has Arabic origins, from mahkama, meaning a place of judgment; cognate terms appear in other Turkic languages, such as Azerbaijani məhkəmə.

Organization and jurisdiction: The Turkish judiciary is divided into two main branches: adli yargı (civil and criminal matters) and idari yargı (administrative matters). Subordinate to these are various courts, including civil, criminal, family, and labor courts at first instance, and higher courts such as Yargıtay (Court of Cassation) and Danıştay (Council of State). The Anayasa Mahkemesi (Constitutional Court) reviews the constitutionality of laws and government actions, while local geographic jurisdiction determines which court hears a case.

Procedures and decisions: In court, proceedings proceed through hearings, presentation of evidence, and examination of witnesses. Judges apply relevant laws to the facts exposed in the record and issue a written judgment detailing findings and rationale. Decisions may be appealed to a higher mahkeme, and enforcement of judgments is carried out by executive authorities.

Role and scope: The mahkeme system is central to the rule of law in Turkey, resolving private disputes and overseeing state actions through an independent judiciary established by constitutional and statutory provisions. The term is also used in other Turkic languages with a closely related meaning of a place where judgments are rendered.