High Criminal Court and Its Duties
The courts that deal with the most serious crimes included in the Turkish Penal Code are the High Criminal Courts. These courts ensure that the perpetrators of crimes that have a great impact on society and deeply wound the public conscience are tried in a fair and deterrent manner.
High Criminal Court Duties
Crimes Requiring a Sentence of More Than 10 Years in Prison: All crimes that require a sentence of more than 10 years in prison, such as deliberate homicide, qualified extortion, drug trafficking, sexual abuse, and armed robbery, are tried in the High Criminal Courts.
Crimes Against the State: Crimes committed against the sovereignty and independence of the state, crimes targeting the constitutional order, crimes committed against national defense, and crimes committed against state secrets are also within the jurisdiction of the High Criminal Courts.
Some Special Crimes: Some special crimes such as crimes within the scope of the anti-terrorism law, organized crimes, smuggling abroad, and crimes of not allowing entry into the country are also tried by these courts.
How is the High Criminal Court Formed?
The High Criminal Courts serve as boards consisting of a president and 2 members. The president and members of the court are appointed by the Council of Judges and Prosecutors.
Hearing in the High Criminal Court
Trials held in the High Criminal Courts may be open or secret. Only people who are related to the case may attend secret trials. During the hearing, the prosecutor presents evidence regarding the crimes committed by the defendant and requests punishment. The defendant and his lawyer also make their defenses. The court makes its decision after evaluating all evidence and defenses.
Decision and Objection
An appeal may be filed with the Court of Cassation against the decisions made by the High Criminal Courts. The Court of Cassation may review the decision and overturn or approve it.
Things to Know About the High Criminal Court
Official lawyers are assigned to defendants tried in the High Criminal Courts.
Defendants must come to the hearing prepared.
A respectful environment must be provided during the hearings.
Decisions made in the High Criminal Courts are not final and can be appealed to the Court of Cassation.
