Dynamics of Judicial Reforms in Turkey: Interplay between EU and Domestic Factors

Abstract

This paper aims to present an overview of judicial reforms in Turkey and underline some external and internal dynamics that have caused these reforms. Until now, comprehensive accounts of reform were mainly concentrated on political and human rights advancements. This article will focus in detail on judicial reforms undertaken since the recognition of Turkey as an official candidate to EU. Most of these reforms correspond also to the first two terms of current ruling party (AKP) which cover years 2002-2011. The paper tries to underline EU and domestic dynamics of legislative policies on judiciary in Turkey by utilizing Putnam’s “two-level games” approach and how they account for changes in legislative attitude of Turkish government.

Keywords: Turkey, Judicial Reforms, Criminal Justice, Reform Packages, EU Accession

JEL Classification: N40, N45