Greek courts are to stop conducting hearings, which include witness questioning, for civil cases, according to plans drawn up by the Justice Ministry.
Kathimerini understands that in a bid to speed up the justice process, the ministry is to change the way that courts deal with civil cases. According to the new plans, once a suit has been filed both sides will have around 130 days to submit the relevant documents, including witness statements.
Judges will only call witnesses in exceptional circumstances. They will issued their decisions based on the evidence submitted by the prosecution and defence.
It is thought that this system will bring an end to the numerous delays to civil cases caused by court postponements.
Source: Kathimerini