The criminal justice system of Cyprus consists of five main components: law enforcement, prosecution and defence attorneys, legislation, adjudication and corrections. These distinct agencies operate together in tandem both under the rule of law and as the principal means of upholding social responsibility. Each part of the criminal justice system is equally important, because if the process is disturbed at any stage, this will result to a miscarriage of justice.
The prosecution process commences with the law enforcement officers investigating the crime, gathering evidence, arresting any suspect(s) and conducting follow-up investigations where necessary. The Attorney General of Cyprus is entrusted by the Constitution with a central role and has broad powers as far as the prosecution is concerned. In addition to functioning as the legal service of the government, the Attorney General’s office is also vested with the ultimate responsibility for and control over, all prosecutions. Public prosecutors will act upon the directions of the Attorney General and will review the evidence brought to them by the law enforcement body. Then, the evidence will be presented to the court by the prosecution. The Defence Council will cross-examine the witnesses in order to diminish their credibility and weaken the case for the prosecution.
The courts will oversee the process and make certain that both the substantive and procedural law is followed, so that the accused has a fair trial. The court will, inter alia, decide on bails and remands, accept or reject plea agreements, decide on the sentence and convict offenders. In deciding on a sentence, the court may order a fine, imprisonment or probation. In some cases, the defendant may appeal against conviction and sentence.
Finally, the correctional system incorporates all forms of sentencing and punishment. It includes detention, probation and parole. A convicted person is the responsibility of corrections until the full sentence is served or commuted. Correction officers supervise convicted offenders. The main obligation of correctional officers is to maintain proper conditions for those held in custody. They supervise the day-to-day custody of inmates and they are responsible for their rehabilitation until the day of their release. prepare them for release by attempting their rehabilitation.
The goals of the criminal justice system of Cyprus as a whole are: public safety by preventing and deterring crime, upholding the rule of law, maintaining law and order and sentencing offenders in line with the principles of just deserts.
