Records Retention and Disposition Schedule for the Albania Judiciary

The schedule is based on the needs of the Albania Judiciary, the parties involved in court proceedings, and the historical value of the records for research purposes. The schedule divides judicial records into two main categories: civil cases and criminal cases. Within each category, records are further divided into case files and case management records. Civil case files contain all documents and papers related to a case, including summons, complaints, affidavits, and decisions. The retention period for civil case files varies depending on the type of case, with some cases requiring permanent retention and others being retained for a shorter period of time, typically 25 years. Case management records are used to record the filing, scheduling, and final actions of a case. These records include various registers and indexes, such as the Register of Civil Decisions, the Register of Persons Removed or Returned to Act, and the Register of Trade Companies. In general, registers and indexes have permanent retention periods, as they contain information that is not separated by case type. The retention periods for civil case files are determined by the type of case, with some cases requiring permanent retention and others being retained for a shorter period of time. For example, civil cases involving property disputes or paternity determinations require permanent retention, while cases involving contract disputes or torts may be retained for 25 years. Case management records, including registers and indexes, typically have permanent retention periods. The schedule also includes examples of civil case types from New York State, which may provide insight into the categorization and retention of civil cases in Albania. These examples include contract cases, matrimonial cases, and tort cases, each with their own retention periods. The retention periods for these cases vary, with some requiring permanent retention and others being retained for a shorter period of time. The retention and disposition of judicial records is a critical aspect of maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the judicial system. The schedule promulgated by the Central Archive of the Judicial System in Albania provides a framework for the retention and disposition of judicial records, ensuring that records are retained for the necessary period of time and then disposed of in a secure and responsible manner.