Turkey’s New Judicial Reform Targets 6-Month Verdicts

Türkiye’s Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç has unveiled a sweeping judicial reform package designed to shorten trial times and modernize the nation’s legal system. The plan introduces strict deadlines for appeals and new specialized courts, aiming to make “the right to a fair and timely trial” a guaranteed reality rather than a legal ideal.

The 6-Month Deadline for Appeals

Speaking to Sabah newspaper, Minister Tunç emphasized the importance of speed and predictability in the judicial process. “We are implementing measures to ensure the right to be tried within a reasonable time,” he said.
At the heart of the reform lies a six-month maximum limit for appellate and high court reviews, ensuring that no case remains unresolved indefinitely. This rule is expected to eliminate long delays that have undermined trust in Türkiye’s courts.

Limiting Postponements to Two Months

Under the new guidelines, court hearings may be postponed for no more than two months, with no additional extensions permitted. This aims to end the cycle of repetitive adjournments that have historically stalled proceedings and frustrated citizens seeking justice.

Direct Appeals to the Supreme Court

To further accelerate outcomes, the reform allows certain cases to skip the regional appeal stage entirely and proceed directly to the Court of Cassation (Yargıtay). This streamlined process will reduce procedural congestion and bring clarity faster for straightforward cases.

Specialized Courts for Complex Cases

Beyond speed, the reform introduces expertise-based courts in technical fields such as environmental law, healthcare disputes, traffic incidents, workplace accidents, and drug-related offenses. These courts will be staffed by judges trained in their respective areas, ensuring decisions are both accurate and informed.
Such specialization reflects a move toward a modern, knowledge-driven judiciary, capable of handling the complexities of contemporary society — from ecological damages to public health litigation.

Strengthening Legal Security and Oversight

Tunç stressed that the ultimate goal is to enhance legal security and public trust in the justice system. “We will establish dedicated units to monitor adherence to the principle of timely trials,” he explained. These new monitoring bodies will ensure compliance, track bottlenecks, and promote accountability across all court levels.

Alignment with International Standards

The reforms also align Türkiye’s legal practices with European Court of Human Rights standards, which prioritize “reasonable trial duration” as a key element of justice. By enforcing measurable deadlines, the Ministry seeks to uphold citizens’ constitutional rights while improving international confidence in Türkiye’s judicial system.

Public Response and Long-Term Impact

Public reaction has been cautiously optimistic. Legal analysts agree that delayed justice erodes institutional trust, and this reform may mark a turning point toward efficient, transparent, and citizen-oriented justice.
If effectively implemented, the initiative could redefine Türkiye’s judicial landscape—combining speed, specialization, and accountability into a model fit for the modern era.