INTRODUCTION
§ 15:1 Regulatory Bodies and Sources—Legal
Framework
When Cyprus became an independent state in 1960, the
English-based legal system which operated during the period of
British rule was maintained. Section 29(1) of the Courts of Justice
Law1 provides that English Common Law and the principles
of equity apply in Cyprus, provided that they do not conflict with
the Constitution or with any laws passed since independence by the
Cypriot Parliament.
Given the relatively small size of the jurisdiction and the
corresponding amount of Cypriot case law, much reliance is placed
on English legal digests and text books, although these are not
binding. Cyprus has been a member of the European Union (EU) since
1 May 2004, and its legislation has been aligned with the
acquis communautaire.
