5.  The applicant was born in 1939 and lives in Prilep. 6.  On 14 January 1998 the applicant lodged a civil action against the State claiming compensation for alleged failure of the domestic courts to decide his appeal in other proceedings in which he had sought reopening of a criminal case against him. During the proceedings, the applicant specified his claim on several occasions. 7.  On 3 June 1999 the Skopje Court of First Instance (“the first-instance court”) dismissed the applicant’s claim. On 26 January 2000 the Skopje Court of Appeal confirmed that decision. On 14 November 2002 the Supreme Court upheld the applicant’s appeal on points of law and remitted the case for re-examination. 8.  Between 27 February 2003 and 5 July 2005 the first-instance court ordered ten adjournments, of which two were requested by the applicant. 9.  On 5 July 2005 the first-instance court dismissed the applicant’s claim. On 28 December 2005 the Skopje Court of Appeal quashed that decision and remitted the case for fresh consideration. 10.  On 14 April 2006 the first-instance court dismissed the applicant’s claim. On 24 November 2006 and 28 May 2008, respectively, the Skopje Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court confirmed that decision.