The law courts in Valletta were open to the public yesterday to mark the European Day of Civil Justice.

In establishing this day, the European Commission and the Council of Europe want citizens to know that courts are meant to enable them to settle their private disputes and assert their rights.

Civil law is part of daily life for European citizens at work, getting married, having children or buying goods and services within the single market. However, the public is often unaware of its rights, still less of how civil justice works.

Guided tours were held in the Court of Appeal, the Constitutional Court and the Criminal Court.