When the Verdict Is Delayed: Why Court Proceedings in Mallorca Often Take Years

Why does a court hearing in Mallorca often take years?

The question hangs in Palma's streets like the scent of freshly brewed coffee at Plaça Cort: why does it take so long for a judge to hand down a ruling? Between Avenida Jaime III and Parc de la Mar, experts answer similarly: too few stable positions, temporary contracts, and mountains of files from the pandemic. But the issue runs deeper. It's not just about statistics — it's about livelihoods, projects and trust in public procedures.

Known causes, underestimated consequences

If you pass the Palace of Justice in the morning, you hear the clack of shoes, phone conversations from nearby cafés and occasionally the tired voice of a lawyer waiting for another hearing. The causes are not new: vacant judge positions, rotating administrative staff, legacy cases piling up. Less often noticed is how much these delays undermine evidence preservation, witness testimony and enforcement. A construction project debated today could be a reality in three years or already finished — along with changed facts, lost documents and different witnesses.

Everyday life with faces

Recently a businesswoman from Santa Catalina stood in front of the building, the wind carrying olive leaves across the square. 'I have outstanding claims and employees who need to be paid,' she said. Such sentences are not abstract figures. They are heard in tax offices, on the harbor promenade and in social services. Every unresolved case alters economic planning, hinders investment and generates social insecurity. For the administration this also means extra work: inquiries, deadline extensions and additional file movements.

Three blind spots in the debate

First: high staff turnover destroys institutional knowledge. Temporary contracts plug short-term gaps but prevent continuity. Second: the digital landscape is inconsistent. Some courts remain paper-heavy, others use e-files — but missing standards and interfaces lead to duplicated work and delays between authorities. Third: there is a lack of prioritization. The system often treats all cases the same, although not every dispute has the same social urgency. Social cases, insolvencies or construction disputes need different time frames than trivial claims.

Concrete measures instead of empty rhetoric

The island needs practical measures that take effect quickly. A few proposals that should not get lost in abstract declarations of intent:

1. Create stable positions: Fewer temporary contracts, clear career paths and housing or mobility allowances so that skilled staff remain in the Balearics.

2. Unified e-files and interfaces: Full digitization with a binding standard between courts, the tax authority and municipal offices. No more half-digital islands.

3. Case triage and fast-track procedures: Prioritize urgent social and economic cases; handle minor disputes through mediation or short hearing slots.

4. Mobile hearing days: Judge teams working temporarily in administrative centers on the islands could reduce scheduling backlogs — especially on the smaller neighboring islands.

5. Transparency through metrics: Public waiting times, open case numbers per court and missed deadlines would create pressure and allow targeted corrective action.

Who must act — and how?

Responsibility does not rest with individual judges alone. Politics must create the framework: fund permanent positions, consider allowances for hard-to-reach posts and launch programs to attract skilled personnel. The judiciary should set internal priorities clearly and agree binding processes for file transfers with administrations. Lawyers can push more for out-of-court solutions when it serves their clients' interests.

A practical tip for those affected

For those currently stuck in a waiting loop: document everything thoroughly, request interim decisions, consider protective or enforcement measures and speak openly with your legal representative about mediation or accelerated procedures. Patience is a companion right now — but it should not become the permanent solution.

Looking ahead

When the Tramuntana whistles through Palma's palm trees and fishermen mend nets at the quay, a long judicial wait becomes especially noticeable in daily life. There is no quick magic trick. But a smart mix of personnel policy, thoughtful digitization and pragmatic prioritization can noticeably reduce waiting times. That would not only relieve the courts — it would make island society more stable and predictable.

In short: the justice system needs more than words. It needs stable people, working technology and the courage to make decisions more quickly.