During the Christmas period, the judicial system in Alicante will operate on a limited schedule for a fortnight. From December 24 to January 6, lawyers, solicitors, and social graduates across the state will enjoy a brief break following Eid. The Senate recently approved the Judicial Organization Law Reform, which includes sensitive changes to sedition and embezzlement provisions. Courts will only handle urgent matters and provide on-call services, and all manuscript deadlines will be paused until after the Three Kings celebration. This pause is intended to ensure a uniform holiday period for legal professionals while safeguarding essential judicial functions. (Alicante Palace of Justice)
historical claim
This is a historic claim from lawyers and law reform advocates who acted at the last minute to shape policy. These professionals welcome the precaution, yet they recognize that emergencies may arise. During these two weeks, they remain reachable yet less connected to ongoing operations. (Alicante Palace of Justice)
While the courts regret that the measure was introduced with some improvisation, agendas had been set months in advance. The outcome may ultimately slow certain processes, but it was deemed necessary to accommodate the holiday period. (Alicante Palace of Justice)
no event
According to sources at the Alicante Palace of Justice, there is currently no record of incidents tied to the shutdown. In practice, courts have anticipated the holiday lull, understanding that Christmas is a time when witnesses or parties may be away. Even with no active lawsuits, deadlines persisted, and legal professionals sometimes found themselves drafting submissions during the festive period to meet deadlines. (Alicante Palace of Justice)
“The measure normalizes timing for all legal operators. Courts pause, yet filing deadlines endure. If something urgent arises, it will be addressed,” notes an attorney interviewed for this report. The shift aims to align Christmas weeks with what has historically happened in August. (Alicante Palace of Justice)
“Even though it improves workflow, it does not drastically change our routine. If urgent matters appear, we will handle them,” the attorney added, emphasizing that the policy essentially equates the Christmas weeks with prior practice in late summer. (Alicante Palace of Justice)
Success
The President of the Lawyers Association described the reform as a milestone for the profession and the Attorney General’s Office, marking a step toward reconciling business and professional life. (Alicante Palace of Justice)
Even with limited activity during the holidays, professionals note that work continued in a manageable way. The focus shifts from hundreds of filings to a leaner window of submissions, preserving life quality and reducing the strain on legal staff. (Alicante Palace of Justice)
Professionals remember August 2020 as a turning point when the pandemic forced a pause in operations and then a rapid regrouping. The experience underscored the need for coordinated effort during extraordinary times. (Alicante Palace of Justice)
On the first day of this adjusted holiday period, observers saw a modest level of participation from citizens and lawyers attending court orders or speed-trials in select venues within the Palaces of Justice across the province. Civil servants and security personnel were still on duty, ensuring orderly operations. (Alicante Palace of Justice)