Both domestic demand and the EU accession process have trigerred a significant legal reform agenda in Turkey. Some important improvements are already in force, but there are still a number of reforms needed. Meanwhile, new controversies have arisen, especially with respect to the independence of the judiciary as well as the worrisome quality of justice. Important inconsistencies between normative acts and legal practice are the subject of heated discussion, thus eroding public confidence in the judiciary system and accordingly, in the rule of law.