Turkey has broadened the powers of Chief Judges in Regional Courts of Justice in the wake of the 90 day of State of Emergency declared on 21 July 2016. Accordingly, from 1 September 2016, if legal or factual reasons mean that a chamber cannot convene using its own members, the Chief Judge is now empowered to assign judges from other chambers, according to relevance, rank and severity.
Please see this link for the full text of Decree No 674 Making Certain Arrangements within the scope of the State of Emergency (2nd Duplicate Official Gazette, published on 1 September 2016; only available in Turkish). The Decree amends Law No. 5235 on Establishment, Duties and Authorities of Courts of First Instance and Regional Courts of Justice.
