Confiscation of Goods under Romanian Law

Recently, Romania’s Tax Reform Law introduced fines up to RON 30,000 for legal entities involved in illegal activities.

This shows how serious asset forfeiture and property seizure are in Romania.

The country’s criminal code now focuses more on recovering illicit gains through legal confiscation.

In Romania, confiscating goods is not just a punishment.

It’s also a way to keep society safe, as stated in the Code of Criminal Procedure.

If you commit a crime, you could lose your assets forever.

This helps prevent future crimes and protects everyone.

Not only the person who committed the crime can lose property.

If you can’t show where goods came from, you might get fined up to RON 30,000.

For those who do it again, the fines can double to RON 60,000.

They might also have their business shut down for up to 15 days in a year.

Key Takeaways

• Fines up to RON 30,000 for illicit economic activities;
• Confiscation applies to goods used in or resulting from contraventions;
• Failure to produce origin documents can result in hefty fines;
• Repeat offenses lead to increased penalties and business suspension;
• Confiscation is a definitive measure aimed at preventing future crimes;
• The process affects assets and serves as a societal safety measure.

Understanding Legal Framework of Asset Confiscation in Romania

Romania has strong laws for taking away assets to fight corruption.

The country’s penal code explains how to confiscate assets, including those gained unfairly.

Definition and Types of Confiscation

Romania has two main types of asset confiscation. Special confiscation goes after assets directly tied to crimes.

Extended confiscation takes assets thought to come from illegal sources, even without a clear crime link.

Scope of Romanian Confiscation Laws

Romania’s laws allow for seizing a wide range of assets.

This includes property bought with crime money, income from crimes, and assets that don’t match someone’s legal earnings.

The National Agency for the Management of Seized Assets manages these assets.

Legal Basis and Authority

The laws for confiscating assets in Romania include:

• Code of Criminal Procedure;
• Law no. 144/2007 on the National Integrity Agency.
• United Nations Convention against Corruption (ratified via Law no. 365/2004).

Asset confiscation can happen through criminal or civil court orders.

The Ministry of Justice is key in working with other countries to recover assets.

Key Authorities and Institutions Involved in Confiscation

In Romania, several key institutions play crucial roles in the confiscation process.

A Romanian lawyer or Romanian law office can guide you through the complexities of these authorities.

Ministry of Justice Role

The Ministry of Justice’s Directorate for International Law and Judicial Cooperation handles cross-border asset recovery cases.

This department works closely with foreign counterparts to trace and seize criminal assets located abroad.

National Agency for Management of Seized Assets

The National Agency for the Management of Seized Assets (NAMSA) was established by Law 318/2015.

This agency is responsible for managing confiscated assets efficiently.

Between 2016 and 2021, NAMSA conducted over 415 interlocutory sales, generating total revenues of EUR 4,048,676.

Prosecution Office Powers

The Prosecution Office of the High Court of Cassation and Justice plays a vital role during investigation and prosecution stages.

It has the authority to seize assets linked to criminal activities.

In a recent case, prosecutors seized assets totaling EUR 342,667, including real estate, cars, and bank account contents.

If you need assistance navigating these institutions, consult a lawyer in Romania specializing in asset confiscation cases.

Confiscation of Goods under Romanian Law

Romanian law has three types of legal forfeiture: criminal, contraventional, and civil.

Criminal confiscation is a court-ordered measure for criminal acts.

Contraventional confiscation is a part of main offense sanctions.

Civil asset forfeiture targets unexplained wealth of public officials under Law no. 144/2007.

In 2012, Romania’s Constitutional Court introduced extended confiscation of goods from criminal activities.

This method is very effective in fighting economic crime.

It only applies to assets gained after 2012, thanks to changes in the New Criminal Romanian Code.

Criminal penalties can be very harsh.

For example, a former senator was fined €60 million for fraudulent privatization.

His case took 2,238 days from investigation start to sentencing, showing how complex these cases can be.

Romania’s laws on contraband have been made stronger to tackle non-compliance with the RO e-Transport system.

The penalties get worse with each offense:

Due process rights are safeguarded through appeals and property return procedures.

The Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) watches over Romania’s judicial reform and anti-corruption efforts.

It makes sure Romania meets EU standards.

Special Confiscation Procedures

Romania has special rules for taking away criminal assets.

These rules help fight organized crime and corruption.

The country uses three main ways to take assets: criminal asset forfeiture, extended confiscation, and civil asset forfeiture.

Criminal Asset Forfeiture

In Romania, criminal asset forfeiture targets goods linked to crimes.

Authorities can take assets proven to be from illegal activities.

Recent laws have made it easier to seize assets, helping fight organized crime.

Extended Confiscation Measures

Extended confiscation measures let Romania seize more assets.

They apply when someone gets at least 4 years in prison.

If there’s doubt about someone’s wealth, assets can be seized.

This has made more crimes eligible for extended confiscation.

Civil Asset Forfeiture

Civil asset forfeiture in Romania targets unjust wealth of public officials.

It’s based on Law 144/2007. If someone’s wealth is more than 10,000 Euros above their legal income, their assets can be taken.

It’s a key tool against corruption in government.

These special confiscation procedures help Romania fight financial crimes.

By having strong asset forfeiture laws, Romania aims to get back stolen money and stop future crimes.

The success of these efforts keeps growing as Romania follows EU rules.

Asset Tracing and Seizure Process

In Romania, many agencies work together to fight illegal activities.

The National Office for the Prevention and Control of Money Laundering is key in finding assets.

Prosecutors and judges then take over to seize these assets during court cases.

The goal of legal property seizure in Romania is to quickly stop threats from illegal items.

Since 2015, the National Agency for the Management of Seized Assets (ANABI) has been a major player in this area.

ANABI has made big progress in taking away illegal goods.

They have taken control of assets worth about EUR 200 million.

They have also sold or reused assets worth around EUR 6 million.

These include shares, big deposits, industrial equipment, and even virtual currency linked to crime groups.

ANABI’s work isn’t just local. They also work with other countries.

They even sent 173,802.35 USD to Romania from a project with the USA.

This shows how far-reaching their efforts are.

Documentation Requirements and Legal Proceedings

Understanding property seizure in Romania means dealing with complex rules and legal steps.

The National Authority for Consumer Protection (NACP) watches over consumer protection and enforces laws.

Origin Documentation Requirements

Romanian customs have strict rules for goods’ origin documents.

You need invoices, accompanying documents, and customs forms.

The Tax Reform Law has made these rules even stricter.

Traders must show proof of their business practices when asked by the authorities.

Legal Time Limits

Romania’s laws set time limits for legal actions.

Complaints must be solved within 30 days, with a 15-day extra for detailed checks.

Seized assets stay frozen until the confiscation request is settled.

Appeals Process

The appeals process for property seizures depends on the confiscation type.

Romanian law allows for international rogatory commissions in criminal cases.

This includes search and seizure of objects.

The execution of these commissions goes through two steps: considering the application and executing it if approved.

Romanian courts follow their laws when handling international rogatory commission requests.

If asked, they’ll tell the requesting state when and where it will happen.

This ensures fairness and follows Romania’s property seizure rules.

International Cooperation in Asset Recovery

Romania is a key player in the fight against financial crimes worldwide.

It works hard to recover assets linked to crime.

This effort is not just for its own benefit but also for the global community.

Mutual Legal Assistance

The Ministry of Justice in Romania leads in mutual legal assistance.

This system helps countries share information and recover assets together.

It makes it easier to freeze assets and enforce confiscation orders in criminal cases.

Cross-Border Cooperation

Romania is part of important European networks for cooperation.

These include the European Judicial Network (EJN) and Eurojust.

These partnerships help Romanian authorities work with others to track and seize assets linked to crime.

Recognition of Foreign Judgments

Romania’s laws allow it to enforce foreign confiscation orders under certain conditions.

This is crucial when assets in Romania come from crimes committed elsewhere.

It ensures that assets can be seized, even if the original judgment was made abroad.

By working together, Romania boosts its fight against money laundering and financial crime.

It plays a big role in the global effort to combat these issues.

Tax Reform Law Impact on Confiscation

Romania’s tax reform law, Law no. 296/2023, has made big changes.

It aims to fight organized crime better and improve how assets are seized.

New Sanctions Framework

The law now has a strong sanctions system for financial crimes.

It has big fines and can take away assets.

This shows Romania’s serious effort to fight financial crimes and boost anti-corruption.

Illicit Economic Activities Definition

The law now defines illicit economic activity more broadly. It includes unregistered businesses and goods without proper documents.

This lets authorities go after more illegal activities, helping to seize assets from organized crime in Romania.

Penalty Structure

The penalties for breaking the law are tough. Companies can get fined up to RON 30,000.

Also, goods and money from crimes can be taken away.

This strict rule aims to stop illegal actions and make recovering assets more effective.

These updates show Romania’s dedication to fighting financial crimes like the EU.

By making its laws stronger, Romania hopes to get better at recovering assets.

This will help the EU fight organized crime more effectively.

Asset Management and Disposition

Romania has a system for managing and selling seized property.

The National Agency for the Management of Seized Assets (ANABI) is key in this process.

ANABI takes care of the seized assets, from keeping them safe to selling them.

The Criminal Procedure Code in Romania outlines how to handle seized assets.

It allows for selling some assets before they are officially taken.

This helps keep the value high and saves on storage costs.

Seizing property in Romania is a detailed process.

ANABI makes sure the assets stay valuable during legal battles.

They store them well and might even rent them out to make money.

Romania’s asset management meets EU standards.

A 2014 EU report showed different ways to manage assets.

Romania has adopted many of these ideas, making its asset handling better.

The Law no. 129/2019, which started on July 21st, 2019, made Romania’s asset recovery stronger.

It created a system to fight money laundering and terrorism financing.

This law brings together different groups to handle assets linked to crimes.

Rights and Protections of Property Owners

Romania’s laws on confiscation balance state needs with property rights.

Both civil and criminal asset forfeiture systems protect property owners.

Due Process Rights

You have key due process rights in Romania’s confiscation laws.

These include:

• Right to be informed of confiscation proceedings;
• Opportunity to present evidence and arguments;
• 24-hour period to show documentation before seizure;
• Right to legal representation.

Appeal Mechanisms

If your assets are seized, you can appeal.

The appeal process varies for criminal and civil cases:

Property Return Procedures

If your property was wrongly taken, Romania has ways to return it or offer compensation.

You must claim within 3 years of the confiscation order.

The National Agency for Seized Assets handles the return process.

Knowing your rights helps safeguard your assets.

If you’re facing confiscation in Romania, seek legal advice.

Conclusion

Romania has made big changes in its laws to fight money laundering and crime.

The country now uses criminal, civil, and administrative steps to tackle organized crime.

These laws aim to make it easier to take back stolen assets and increase transparency in finances.

Recently, Romania’s E-transport System has grown to cover all goods moved internationally.

This change, starting in January 2024, removes old limits on mass and value.

Now, operators must give detailed info about their shipments at least three days before.

This move is part of Romania’s push to improve asset recovery and fight fraud.

Breaking smuggling laws in Romania comes with serious penalties.

Fines and jail time are possible, with the exact punishment depending on the case.

The Romanian government is serious about enforcing these laws.

This is shown by recent court cases against tobacco smuggling.

These steps show Romania’s effort to meet EU standards and strengthen its anti-money laundering laws.

An Overview of Litigation in Romania: Rules, Laws and Regulations Explained

​Litigation is the process of taking someone to court in order to resolve a legal dispute.

If you have been wronged and are looking to sue someone in Romania, it is important to understand the rules, laws, and regulations that apply in this country.

This overview will provide you with some basic information about litigation in Romania so that you can make informed decisions about your case.

The first step in any litigation case is to determine whether you have grounds for a lawsuit.

In Romania, there are three general categories of cases that can be brought to court: civil cases, criminal cases, and administrative cases.

• Civil cases typically involve disputes between two private parties, such as a contract dispute or a personal injury claim.
• Criminal cases are brought by the state against an individual accused of committing a crime.
• Administrative cases are usually brought by the government against a private party, such as a company that is violating environmental regulations.

Once you have determined that you have grounds for a lawsuit, the next step is to find a lawyer who can represent you in court.

It is important to find a Romanian lawyer who is familiar with the specific type of case that you are bringing, as well as the Romanian legal system.

Once you have retained a lawyer, they will begin gathering evidence and preparing your case for trial.

If your case goes to trial, it will be heard by a panel of judges.

The number of judges on the panel will depend on the type of case being heard.

In most civil and criminal cases, there will be three judges.

In administrative cases, there may be only one judge or a panel of multiple judges.

The judges will hear arguments from both sides and then render a decision.

If the decision is in your favor, the other party will be ordered to take some kind of action, such as paying damages or returning property.

If the decision is not in your favor, you may appeal the decision to a higher court.

Litigation can be a lengthy and complicated process, so it is important to understand the rules and regulations that apply in Romania before beginning your case.

By understanding the basics of the Romanian legal system, you can make informed decisions about your case and choose the best course of action for your particular situation.

Types of Litigation in Romania

​There are many different types of litigation that can take place in Romania.

Some of the most common include:

1. Civil Litigation: This type of litigation involves one party suing another for damages that have been inflicted. This can be in the form of physical or emotional damages, financial damages, or even property damage.

2. Commercial Litigation: This type of litigation occurs when two businesses are in dispute with one another. This can be over contracts, disagreements on products or services, or even intellectual property disputes.

3. Criminal Litigation: This type of litigation is brought about when someone has been accused of committing a crime. This can be anything from a minor offense to a major felony.

4. Employment Litigation: This type of litigation occurs when there is a dispute between an employer and an employee. This can be over things like wages, hours, working conditions, or even wrongful termination.

5. Family Litigation: This type of litigation is usually between family members who are in dispute with one another. This can be over things like child custody, visitation rights, or even property division.

6. Personal Injury Litigation: This type of litigation occurs when someone has been injured due to the negligence of another person. This can be in the form of a car accident, slip and fall, or even medical malpractice.

7. Real Estate Litigation: This type of litigation occurs when there is a dispute over real estate. This can be over things like boundary disputes, easements, or even title disputes.

8. Probate litigation: This type of litigation occurs when there is a dispute over someone’s will or estate. This can be over things like the distribution of assets, the validity of the will, or even challenges to the executor of the estate.

No matter what type of litigation is taking place, it is always important to have an experienced Romanian attorney by your side.

Litigation can be a complex and time-consuming process, so it is important to have someone who knows the ins and outs of the legal system.

If you are involved in any type of litigation in Romania, contact an experienced attorney today.

Courts and Litigation in Romania

​In Romania, the court system is divided into four levels:

• the first instance courts,
• the appellate courts,
• the high court of cassation and justice, and
• the constitutional court.

• The first instance courts are the courts of general jurisdiction and are divided into three categories: the county courts, the regional courts, and the tribunals.

The county courts have territorial jurisdiction over a specific county, while the regional courts have territorial jurisdiction over a group of counties. The tribunals are specialized courts that have jurisdiction over certain types of cases, such as labor disputes or cases involving minors.

• The appellate courts are the second level of the Romanian court system.

They consist of the court of appeal and the high court of cassation and justice. The court of appeal hears appeals from the first instance courts, while the high court of cassation and justice hears appeals from the appellate courts.

• The constitutional court is the highest level of the Romanian court system and is responsible for ensuring that the Constitution is respected.

Litigation in Romania is governed by the Civil Procedure Code, which regulates all aspects of civil procedure, from filing a lawsuit to executing a judgment.

The Code is divided into five parts:

• general provisions,
• procedural principles,
• parties to the proceedings,
• special proceedings, and
• execution of judgments.

Under Romanian law, anyone who has been harmed by another person or entity has the right to sue for damages.

If the person or entity against whom the suit is filed is located in Romania, the case will be heard by a Romanian court.

If the person or entity is located in another country, the case may be heard by a Romanian court if Romania has a bilateral or multilateral agreement with that country.

Romanian law recognizes two types of damages: pecuniary damages and non-pecuniary damages.

Pecuniary damages are those that can be quantified in monetary terms, such as loss of income or medical expenses.

Non-pecuniary damages are those that cannot be quantified in monetary terms, such as pain and suffering.

Starting a Litigation Case in Romania

​If you are thinking about starting a litigation case in Romania, there are a few things you should know.

Romania is a civil law country, which means that the legal system is primarily based on written laws, as opposed to common law, which relies more on judicial precedent.

This can make it a little bit more difficult to sue someone in Romania, but it is not impossible.

There are a few steps you will need to take in order to start your litigation case in Romania.

First, you will need to find a lawyer who is licensed to practice in Romania and who has experience with litigation cases.

It is important to find a lawyer who you feel comfortable working with and who you feel confident will represent you well.

Once you have found a lawyer, you will need to gather all of the evidence you have to support your case.

This may include witness statements, documents, photographs, or anything else that will help to prove your case.

Once you have gathered all of your evidence, your lawyer will draft a complaint and file it with the court.

After your complaint has been filed, the court will set a date for a hearing.

At the hearing, both sides will present their evidence and arguments.

The judge will then make a decision on the case. If the judge decides in your favor, you will be awarded damages.

If the judge decides against you, you may appeal the decision.

Starting a litigation case in Romania can be a bit of a challenge, but it is not impossible.

With the help of an experienced lawyer, you can gather the evidence you need to support your case and present your argument in court.

Romania Litigation Process and Procedures

​The Romanian legal system is based on the civil law tradition.

This means that laws are codified and judges are bound by legal precedent.

The main source of law is the Constitution of Romania, which was adopted in 1991.

Romania is a member of the European Union and its legal system is therefore subject to the influence of European Union law.

The Romanian court system is hierarchical.

• The courts of first instance are the courts of law, which hear criminal and civil cases.
• The courts of appeal are the tribunals, which hear appeals from the courts of law.
• The High Court of Cassation and Justice is the court of final appeal and review.
• The Constitutional Court of Romania is the body competent to adjudicate on the constitutionality of laws and regulations.

Romania has a dualist legal system, which means that international treaties are not automatically incorporated into domestic law.

However, once a treaty is ratified by Romania, it becomes part of Romanian law.

The Romanian legal system recognizes the principle of judicial independence.

Judges are appointed by the President of Romania, on the proposal of the Superior Council of Magistrates, and they can only be removed from office by presidential decree, for reasons of misconduct.

The Romanian judiciary is divided into three types of courts:

• civil courts,
• criminal courts and
• military courts.

Civil courts deal with disputes between private individuals, companies or other legal entities.

These disputes can be either over lawsuits personal in nature, such as divorce or child custody cases, or they can be about money, property or contracts.

Criminal courts deal with cases involving alleged violations of the criminal law.

These cases can be either misdemeanors, which are less serious offenses punishable by a fine or up to 60 days in jail, or felonies, which are more serious offenses punishable by a prison sentence of more than one year.

Military courts have jurisdiction over cases involving members of the Romanian armed forces.

These cases can involve alleged violations of military discipline or crimes committed while on active duty.

The Romanian legal system provides for the right to a fair trial.

This includes the right to counsel, the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, the right to a public trial and the right to appeal a decision to a higher court.

If you are involved in a legal dispute in Romania, it is important to understand the Romanian litigation process and procedures.

This process can be complex and time-consuming, so it is important to seek the advice of a qualified Romanian lawyer.

Representing Yourself vs. Hiring a Lawyer in Romania

​There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to represent yourself or hire a lawyer in Romania.

The most important factor is the severity of your charge.

If you are facing a serious charge, it is probably in your best interest to hire a lawyer. If you are facing a less serious charge, you may be able to represent yourself.

Another factor to consider is your financial situation.

If you can afford to hire a lawyer, it may be worth it to do so. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may have no choice but to represent yourself.

If you decide to represent yourself, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, you will be held to the same standard as a lawyer.

This means you will need to know the law and procedures just as well as a lawyer would.

Second, it is important to be respectful to the court and to those around you.

Third, you should be prepared for the possibility that you may lose your case.

If you decide to hire a lawyer, you should make sure to choose one that is experienced in Romanian law.

You should also make sure to ask for references and to meet with the lawyer before hiring them.

Possible Outcomes of Litigation in Romania

​When considering whether to sue someone in Romania, it is important to weigh the potential outcomes of the litigation.

Though no legal case is ever guaranteed, understanding the possible outcomes of your case can help you make an informed decision about whether or not to move forward with legal action.

The first potential outcome is, of course, that you could win your case.

If the court finds in your favor, you will be awarded whatever damages or relief you are seeking.

This is the best-case scenario and, naturally, what everyone who decides to sue hopes for.

However, it is also possible that you could lose your case.

If the court does not find in your favor, you will not be awarded any damages or relief and will likely have to pay the legal fees of the person or entity you sued.

This is obviously not the ideal outcome, but it is a possibility that must be considered.

There is also a third potential outcome, which is that the case could be settled out of court.

This means that you and the person or entity you are suing come to an agreement outside of court and avoid having to go through the litigation process. This can be a good outcome if you are able to reach an agreement that is satisfactory to both parties.

Of course, these are not the only possible outcomes of litigation in Romania.

Every case is different and the specific circumstances will ultimately determine the outcome.

However, these are some of the most common possibilities that you should be aware of before deciding to sue someone in Romania.

Challenges of Litigation in Romania

​Litigation is the process of taking legal action against another person or company.

It can be a long and difficult process, especially in a country like Romania where the legal system is not as developed as in other parts of the world.

There are many challenges that you will face when litigating in Romania, but you can overcome them.

One of the biggest challenges is the language barrier.

Many court documents are only available in Romanian, so you will need to hire a translator if you do not speak the language. This can be expensive and it can be hard to find a translator you trust.

The legal system in Romania is also very different from what you are used to in the other countries. The court system is much slower and it can take years for your case to be finally resolved. This can be very frustrating, but you need to be patient.

Another challenge you may face is the lack of reliable witnesses. In Romania, it is not uncommon for witnesses to be paid off by the party they are testifying against. This makes it very difficult to get accurate information about what really happened.

Despite all these challenges, it is still possible to win your case in Romania.

You just need to be prepared for the difficulties you may face and make sure you have a good Romanian lawyer on your side.

Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution in Romania

​Today, mediation and alternative dispute resolution are becoming more popular in Romania.

Mediation is a process where two parties meet with a neutral third party to try to reach an agreement. This is an effective way to resolve disputes without going to court.

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a process where two parties try to reach an agreement without going to court. This can be done through mediation, arbitration, or another process. ADR is often faster and cheaper than going to court.

There are many benefits to mediation and ADR.

• Mediation can help parties resolve their differences without the need for a lengthy and expensive court battle.
• It can also help parties to better understand each other’s position and to come up with creative solutions that they may not have thought of on their own.
• In addition, mediation and ADR can help to preserve relationships. This is especially important in cases where the parties will need to continue to work together after the dispute is resolved, such as in business or family matters.

If you are involved in a dispute, you should consider mediation or ADR as a way to resolve the issue.

 By contacting a local lawyer or legal aid organization, individuals can get the help they need to protect their rights.

Litigation in Romania- FAQ

1. What is litigation and how does it work in Romania?

Litigation refers to the legal process used to settle disputes through a court of law in Romania.

The Romanian legal system follows a civil law framework, and litigation involves the resolution of civil or commercial matters through the courts.

It is governed by the Romanian Civil Procedure Code, which sets out the procedural rules for court cases.

2. Can foreign individuals or companies engage in litigation in Romania?

Yes, foreign individuals or companies can engage in litigation in Romania.

The Romanian legal system provides for the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, ensuring that a legal decision obtained in another country can be recognized and enforced in Romania.

However, specific procedures and requirements must be followed to initiate litigation as a foreign entity.

3. What is the role of a law firm in litigation?

A law firm plays a crucial role in litigation by providing legal representation and guidance to individuals or companies involved in a legal dispute.

They assist with preparing the necessary legal documents, advising on the applicable Romanian law, representing clients in court, negotiating settlements, and ensuring their clients’ best interests are protected throughout the litigation process.

4. How can I file an appeal in Romania?

To file an appeal in Romania, you need to follow the procedures set out in the Romanian Civil Procedure Code.

Generally, you will need to submit a written document called a “statement of appeal” to the relevant court within a specific timeframe. The appeal should clearly state the grounds on which you are challenging the court decision and provide supporting arguments and evidence.

5. What happens if I lose a court case in Romania?

If you lose a court case in Romania, you may be required to comply with the court decision, which usually includes fulfilling certain obligations or paying damages to the winning party.

The losing party may also be responsible for paying the legal fees and expenses incurred by both parties throughout the litigation process, unless otherwise determined by the court.

6. What is the role of the Court of Appeal and the High Court in Romania?

The Court of Appeal and the High Court are higher-level courts in Romania that hear appeals from lower courts and have the authority to review and decide on matters of law.

The Court of Appeal is the first instance of appeal, and its decisions are mandatory.