Civil Procedure Code at Latvia
In Latvia, civil procedure is governed by the Civil Procedure Law (Civilprocesa likums), which was enacted on October 31, 2002, and has undergone several amendments to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of the judicial system. The most recent significant amendment was adopted on February 28, 2019, and entered into force on April 1, 2019 . (Civilprocesa likums, Law of February 28, 2019, on Amendments to the Civil Procedure Law, Latvia, WIPO Lex)
⚖️ Key Features of the Latvian Civil Procedure Law
1. Court Structure and Jurisdiction
Latvia's judicial system comprises various levels of courts, including:
District (City) Courts: Handle most civil cases.
Regional Courts: Serve as appellate courts. (Civil Procedure Law (as amended up to March 1, 2009), Latvia, WIPO Lex)
Supreme Court: Acts as the highest appellate court.
Specialized courts, such as the Economic Court, have been established to handle specific types of cases, including those related to economic disputes.
2. Language of Proceedings
All civil proceedings in Latvia are conducted in the Latvian language. Parties who do not speak or understand Latvian sufficiently can request a court-appointed interpreter free of charge to assist them in participating in court proceedings and understanding case materials . (How to properly prepare translation of documents | Riga Arbitration Court, Language)
3. Simplified Procedures
The Civil Procedure Law allows for simplified procedures in certain cases, such as uncontested claims or small claims, to expedite the judicial process. These procedures are designed to reduce the burden on courts and provide quicker resolutions for straightforward matters.
4. Provisional Measures
Courts have the authority to grant provisional measures to secure claims before a final judgment is rendered. These measures can include: (Civil Procedure Law (as amended up to March 1, 2009), Latvia, WIPO Lex)
Attachment of Property: Securing movable or immovable property to prevent its disposal.
Prohibitory Injunctions: Restricting a party from taking certain actions.
Freezing of Assets: Preventing the transfer of funds or assets.
Such measures are subject to specific conditions and must be applied for by the interested party . (Civil Procedure Law (as amended up to March 1, 2009), Latvia, WIPO Lex)
5. Appeals Process
Decisions made by district (city) courts can be appealed to regional courts. Further appeals can be made to the Supreme Court. The appeals process is structured to ensure that parties have an opportunity to challenge decisions and seek justice. (Par tiesu varu)
6. International Cooperation
Latvia participates in international agreements and conventions that facilitate the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, as well as cooperation in the service of documents and taking of evidence in cross-border civil matters . (Civil Law)
📚 Accessing the Civil Procedure Law
The full text of the Civil Procedure Law, including all amendments up to July 1, 2018, is available on the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) website: (Civil Procedure Law (as amended up to July 1, 2018), Latvia, WIPO Lex)
👉 Civil Procedure Law – WIPO Lex
This resource provides detailed information on the legal framework governing civil procedures in Latvia.
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