< b> Two lawyers, representing two different generations, review yesterday and look to tomorrow in the field of law
Elias Neokleous and SIA DEPE is an emblematic company in the field of legal services. In our long history in the field we have been consistently pioneers in the changes of each era, committed to our values and people. Through this interview, representatives of two generations of lawyers, who became professional men in our company, Chrichtos Melidis and Dimitris Rotis, share their thoughts on the development of the legal framework and institutions, giving advice to younger colleagues, each from his particular point of view.
STATION THE MEMBERSHIP IN THE EU
Christos Melidis Lawyer/Partner, Judicial Department
How would you describe yesterday and today the legal framework of Cyprus?
The passage of time has brought about significant changes in our legal framework. This is due to the accession of Cyprus to the EU. and the consequent adoption of a variety of pieces of legislation that address issues that may not have preoccupied the Cypriot legislator, such as environmental legislation. Also, changes related to human rights, due to the growing influence of the ECtHR, such as the enactment of legislation on gender equality and the rights of homosexuals. Of course, there are many areas in which, unfortunately, there is still stagnation and modernization is needed as soon as possible.
How do you comment on the evolution of the justice system with the introduction of i-justice?
Any effort to modernize, optimize and speed up procedures, aimed at avoiding bureaucracy and automation, such as i-justice, is welcome and imperative. At this stage, it is necessary to familiarize the law enforcement officials, in order to ensure the rights of the parties and to limit the margin for errors or irregularities. Furthermore, the continuous and systematic improvement of the program will be undoubtedly important, especially where there are problems during its operation. We must remember, however, that a number of our colleagues and fellow human beings do not have access to the relevant technology.
What advice would you give to young people choosing legal science?
Law provides a wide range of knowledge and, therefore, I would advise them to make the most of both the level of knowledge and the level of cultivating critical thinking. Also, always keep in mind that for nothing there is a single answer or an absolute rule and that each case is judged, ultimately, based on the exceptions that may apply and the special circumstances that exist. In addition, I would urge them, whatever path they take, to be guided by the basic principles of justice, equality and respect for human rights. Finally, in all cases, keep in mind that common sense usually provides the answers to even the most complex legal or other questions.
MODERNIZATION OF JURISDICTIONS p>
Dimitris Roti Lawyer/Partner, Department of Corporate and Commercial Law
How would you describe yesterday and today the legal framework of Cyprus? b >
Cyprus' accession to the EU has brought about fundamental changes, compared to our recent past. Our legal environment (co) is now shaped by the rules of the Union, which I note are superior to the internal ones. With many peculiarities, the European influence is not only about the substance of the regulations; it also works at the level of judicial precedent. At a more general level, supranational regulatory initiatives are expected to continue, in the context of other agencies and transnational initiatives, with recent examples of the functioning of state tax systems and the public debate unfolding in relation to the technological giants of the time.
< p> How do you comment on the evolution of the justice system with the introduction of i-justice?
The modernization of our judicial mechanisms is certainly a positive development. Indicatively, it significantly reduces the cost (monetary and non-judicial) operation of the judicial system, as well as the margin of human error, while optimizing the use of the country's human resources, as I saw 12 years ago when I worked in the City of London. >
However, special care needs to be taken regarding the security and integrity of any technological applications used, while the training of justice officials must be adequate and continuous.
Any technological reforms should not lead to the exclusion (substantial and/or practical) of people who, for various reasons, do not have adequate access to technological structures.
What advice would you give to young people who choose the legal science?
In ILIAS NEOKLEOUS & amp; SIA DEPE we provide supplies to young lawyers to expand the field of knowledge. Basic familiarity with areas such as economics and computer science clearly helps. On a practical level, a good knowledge of foreign languages, in addition to the standard English, significantly enriches their professional capital.
