13 June, 2017
The Council for the Judiciary evaluated and expressed its view on the amendments to the Law "On Judicial Power" submitted to the Saeima (Parliament) before the second reading. The Council for the Judiciary supported the majority of proposals stated in the draft law.
Amendments to the law are proposed to extend the area of authority of the Council for the Judiciary regarding judiciary issues and deciding on judges' career issues. In order to reduce the executive and legislative powers’ impact on these issues, it is planned to extend the powers of the Council for the Judiciary in nomination, appointment, approval and transfer of judges, including the appointment, selection and removal from office and transfer to vacant position in higher or lower instance court of the chair of district (city) court and regional court. As well as it is envisaged to extend Council’s authority in establishing procedures for selection of candidates, internship and qualification examination for position of judge of district (city) court, regional court and the Supreme Court.
The draft law repeals the restriction for the same person to occupy a position of the chair of district (city) court or a regional court for no more than two consecutive terms. Chair of district (city) court, which has more than ten judges, will be able to have deputies. As well as, the draft law clarifies the procedures for appointing court collegium of regional court, providing that it is approved by the chair of regional court, and not the Minister of Justice.
The draft law also provides for other amendments. The Saeima shall decide on amendments to the Law "On Judicial Power" in the second and third reading.
The Council for the Judiciary adopted the decision in the sitting of 12 June, 2017.
Information prepared by
Rasma Zvejniece, the Head of the Division of Communication of the Supreme Court
E-mail: rasma.zvejniece@at.gov.lv, telephone: +371 67020396, +371 28652211
