Cyprus · Legislation
Legislation and primary sources
Where to find the authoritative text of the law in Cyprus, and how to confirm it is still in force.
Sources of law, ranked
- The 1960 Constitution
- As modified in application by the doctrine of necessity and by EU accession amendments.
- EU law
- Directly applicable and prevailing; the acquis is suspended in the areas outside effective control.
- Laws of the House of Representatives
- Primary legislation, published in the Official Gazette.
- English common law and equity
- Applied under the Courts of Justice Law where no statute governs.
- Judicial precedent
- Supreme Court decisions bind lower courts; English authority remains persuasive.
The legislative process
Bills are introduced by ministers or members and passed by the House of Representatives. The President may return a law for reconsideration or refer it to the Supreme Court for a constitutionality ruling before promulgation; if the Court finds no conflict, promulgation follows. Laws enter into force on publication in the Official Gazette unless otherwise provided, and EU obligations are frequently implemented by harmonising statute and regulation.
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