Civil Procedure Code at Hungary
Hungary's Code of Civil Procedure, enacted as Act CXXX of 2016, came into force on 1 January 2018, replacing the previous socialist-era code. This reform aimed to modernize civil litigation by enhancing efficiency, transparency, and active case management. (New Code of Civil Procedure in Hungary since 1 January 2018 - Danger, swim at your own risk! - Tivadar Law Firm, Act CXXX of 2016 on the Code of Civil Procedure)
⚖️ Key Features of the Hungarian Civil Procedure Code
1. Split Procedural Structure
The litigation process is divided into:
Preparatory Phase: Parties present facts, legal grounds, and evidence.
Substantive Phase: The court examines the case based on the prepared materials. (Act CXXX of 2016 on the Code of Civil Procedure)
This structure encourages early case clarification and reduces delays. (New Code of Civil Procedure in Hungary since 1 January 2018 - Danger, swim at your own risk! - Tivadar Law Firm)
2. Active Case Management
Judges are mandated to actively manage cases, guiding parties to fulfill procedural obligations and ensuring efficient case progression. (Active case management in the Hungarian civil procedure | Studia Universitatis Babeș-Bolyai Iurisprudentia)
3. Mandatory Legal Representation
Legal representation is generally required, especially in county and appellate courts. Unrepresented parties may face consequences for non-compliance. (NEW ACT ON CIVIL PROCEDURES - BDO, New Code of Civil Procedure in Hungary since 1 January 2018 - Danger, swim at your own risk! - Tivadar Law Firm)
4. Concentration of Proceedings
The court and parties aim to present all facts and evidence promptly, facilitating adjudication in a single hearing when possible. (Act CXXX of 2016 on the Code of Civil Procedure)
5. Simplified Statement of Claim
The amendment simplified requirements for statements of claim, focusing on essential information like the defendant's name and address. (A brief introduction to the new Code of Civil Procedure (Novella) which simplifies civil litigation — Studio Legale Avv. Balint Halmos)
6. Technological Integration
Recent amendments allow for audio-visual recording of proceedings, aligning with EU regulations. (The Latest Technological Advances in the Hungarian Code of Civil Procedure)
📘 Accessing the Code
The full text of Act CXXX of 2016 is available in Hungarian at Jogkodex.hu. For English translations, resources may be limited; consulting a legal professional in Hungary is advisable for non-Hungarian speakers. (Act CXXX of 2016 on the Code of Civil Procedure)
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