There are three levels of ordinary courts in Honduras:
- the Supreme Court of Justice;
- the Courts of Appeal; and
- the Courts of first instance (Juzgados de Letras).
The Supreme Court is located in the capital Tegucigalpa and has three chambers: civil, criminal, and labour. The Supreme Court is empowered, among other things, to interpret constitutional provisions; to preside over proceedings against state officials and members of the parliament; and to render decisions on extradition cases and other cases to be judged in accordance with international law.{{1}}
In addition to these courts, Justices of the Peace decide on civil and criminal matters within certain statutory limitations,{{2}} and the military courts are given competence over crimes committed by military personnel.
[[1]]1. Constitution, [expand title=”Article 313(2), (4), and (5).”]
The Supreme Court of Justice has the following attributions:
…
2. To take cognizance of the formal preliminary processes [concerning] the most high functionaries of the State, and the Deputies;
…
4. To take cognizance of the causes of extradition and others that must be judged in conformity with International Law;
5. To take cognizance of the Recourses of Habeas Corpus, Habeas Data, Cassation, Amparo, Revision and Unconstitutionality, as stipulated in this Constitution and the Law;
[/expand] See also International Commission of Jurists, La Independencia del Poder Judicial en Honduras (2004-2013) (May 2014), p. 7.[[1]]
[[2]]2. Law on the Organization and Competence of the Courts, Article 26.[[2]]
