Page:Ottoman constitution of 1876.pdf/16

382

The High Court is formed of thirty members, of which ten are Senators, ten Councillors of State, and ten members chosen among the presidents and members of the court of cassation and the court of appeals. All the members shall be designated by lot. The High Court is convoked when there is reason for it by an Imperial Irade and meets at the Senate House. Its powers consist in judging : — The Ministers. The president and members of the court of cassation. And all other persons accused of high treason or an attempt against the safety of the State.

The High Court is composed of two Chambers: the Chamber of accusation, and the Chamber of Judgment. The Chamber of accusation is formed of nine members designated by lot among the members of the High Court, of whom three are Senators, three Councillors of State and three members of the Court of cassation or the Court of appeal.

The reference to the Chamber of judgment is pronounced by the Chamber of accusation by a two-thirds majority of its members. The members belonging to the Chamber of accusation cannot take part in the deliberations of the Chamber of judgment.

The Chamber of Judgment is formed of 21 members seven of whom are Senators seven Councillors of State and seven members of the Court of cassation or the court of appeal. It judges by a two thirds majority conformably to the laws in force the cases which are sent in to it by the Chamber of accusation. The judgments are susceptible neither of appeal nor of cassation.

No tax for the profit of the state can be either established, assessed or levied except by virtue of law.