1. Judicial Authority

2. The Courts (Instantele) The Constitutional Court – decides whether laws or government actions are constitutional Supreme Court of Justice (Curtea Suprema de Justitie) – reconciles diverging court decisions on the same issue The Appellate Courts (Curtile de Apel) – are empowered to hear appeals (recursuri) to decisions made by lower courts The Tribunals (Tribunalele si Judecatoria)

3. The Judges and Court Hearings Judges are independent, answerable only to the law Judges may not hold other public or private functions Court hearings are public and are held in Romanian. If necessary, an interpreter is provided free of charge

4. Ministerul Public Society’s interests are represented in court by the Ministerul Public. Its role is to defend public order and the rights of citizens Ministerul Public is independent in relation to other authorities. It has jurisdiction over the various Parchete (Rom.) Ministerul Public fulfills its role through the activities of prosecutors (procurori) Prosecutors may not hold other functions while in office

5. Consiliul Suprem al Magistraturii Composed of magistrates chosen by Parliament for a tenure of 4 years. Proposes to the President nominees for the function of Judge or Prosecutor Awards promotions for Judges and Prosecutors Acts as a disciplinary council for judges and prosecutors. If necessary, it recommends to the president that Judges and Prosecutors be relieved of their duties (eliberati din functie).