Former Turkish top judge says legal system fails to grasp imported Western concepts
Former Court of Cassation chief Sami Selçuk argues Turkey adopted Western laws without understanding core legal concepts, while defending judicial independence in opposition CHP cases.
Former President of Turkey’s Court of Cassation, Sami Selçuk, stated in an interview with Cumhuriyet that while Turkey adopted legal frameworks from Western nations, the country has struggled to comprehend core judicial concepts. Selçuk emphasized that under proper legal principles, trials should ideally be concluded in a single hearing.
Addressing concerns over high-profile political litigation—specifically the pending Court of Cassation decision regarding the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) 38th Convention—Selçuk expressed confidence in judicial independence. He asserted that court members disregard public speculation and external pressure, grounding their decisions strictly on evidence and written law.
Sources: Cumhuriyet