Overloaded Courts in Canary Islands Criticised
A recent report from the High Court of Justice of the Canary Islands (TSJC) reveals that almost 60% of courts in the region are overwhelmed, highlighting ongoing issues in the administration of justice. The report, released on Wednesday, indicates that many courts exceed a critical workload threshold, with judges warning of a “paralysis” in the judicial system under the current government led by Fernando Clavijo.
The TSJC’s 2025 report ranks the Canary Islands as the most litigation-heavy region in Spain for the seventh consecutive year, with 202 cases per 1,000 residents—well above the national average. Despite this, the courts are noted for their efficiency, averaging 395 decisions per judge annually, with a 91% affirmation rate from the Supreme Court.
The report attributes high litigation rates to the Canary Islands’ heavy reliance on tourism and services. In 2025, a record 15 million international tourists visited the Islands, creating a demographic impact that affects local court workloads. The TSJC urges authorities to consider these statistics when assessing the judicial needs of the region.
A significant backlog exists in administrative litigation, particularly in the Santa Cruz de Tenerife court, which currently holds over 10,000 cases, mostly involving migration issues. With judges working at maximum capacity, the backlog could take nearly nine years to resolve.
To alleviate the strain, the TSJC has partnered with the University of La Laguna to develop an artificial intelligence tool, ARDE-J, designed to expedite repetitive immigration cases. The report also highlights gaps in migration regulations, with bodies washed ashore being governed by outdated laws from 1974.
Concerns about staffing stability are also raised, with 37.2% of the 2,759 justice administration employees working on temporary contracts. This turnover has led to shortcomings in forensic and psychological assessments, causing delays in important reports.
In response to the judicial backlog, the TSJC has formally requested the establishment of 53 new judicial bodies to expand capacity.
Ongoing technical issues with the court’s digital management system, Atlante, have also been flagged, prompting the Canary Islands Government to declare a “digital emergency.” There are critical vulnerabilities concerning data security, especially for sensitive information involving minors and crime victims, pushing the TSJC to demand a secure encrypted telematic system.
Finally, the TSJC report details infrastructure issues, such as leaks and poor working conditions in various courts, crying out for urgent maintenance interventions.
In a positive note, innovative projects like the use of therapy dogs in the Las Palmas children’s court have yielded promising results, helping to ease anxiety for young witnesses during legal proceedings. The report also mentions notable court rulings addressing various social issues, reflecting ongoing efforts for justice reform in the region.
