Summary

This article provides an overview of the main changes in the appellate procedure in civil matters introduced by the new Code of Civil Procedure that entered into force on 1 September 1998. The restriction of the possibility to determine a matter by way of a written proceeding, which is contrary to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, constitutes a major amendment. Under the new Code, a person has the right to an oral hearing of his or her matter.
Further, the author addresses several important amendments concerning the filing of an appeal, the pre-trial procedure, the scope of hearing a matter, and other amendments which should render civil proceedings more effective.