The district courts are the basic element of the judiciary system. The district courts have general jurisdiction. As a consequence they have a considerable workload. A single judge shall adjudicate crimes the sentence for which is up to 5 years. The criminal courts has jurisdiction over all criminal case with the exception of those that fall under the jurisdiction of the military courts.
All civil conflicts fall under their jurisdiction.
Special sections on administrative, commercial and family cases are created within the first instance court. There are 5 military courts that have territorial jurisdiction as defined by a decree of the President of the Republic. These Courts deal with military crimes, war hostages and other individuals as provided by law. The military courts administer justice in panels of three judges in cases of felonies and with one judge and two assistant judges in misdemeanor cases. B. Appellate Courts Albania has six appellate courts and one military appellate court, the latter with jurisdiction throughout the territory of the Republic.