The court system

Judicial power acts independently of legislative and executive power, political parties and public associations. Only the court administers justice: no other body can decide a civil, criminal or administrative case. The court system includes the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, regional and district (city) courts, and economic and administrative courts; the Republic of Karakalpakstan has courts too. The Constitutional Court checks whether laws and other acts conform to the Constitution. Judges are independent and obey only the law; interfering in their work is forbidden and leads to liability. Court hearings are open and are closed only in cases provided by law. Proceedings are held in Uzbek, Karakalpak or the language of the majority of residents, and an interpreter is provided to a person who does not know the language. An accused person has the right to defence and can get qualified legal help (an advocate) at any stage; until guilt is proven by a court verdict the person is considered innocent. Court decisions are issued in the name of the state and are binding on everyone.