According to H. Mickevicius, the cream of the crop in this pyramidal structure has built the environment that is beneficial exceptionally to them thus imposing their will upon all the others in the system.
In the interview with the Chief Editor of the weekly “Atgimimas” Indre Makaraityte HRMI Executive director expresses his deep concern of the on-going judicial reform and presents his suggestions on how to address the long standing systemic problems.
Acknowledging that the achieved level of judicial independence is a value that should be preserved and strengthened, H. Mickevicius underlines the necessity to integrate the courts system in the society and make it accountable on both individuals and institutional level. The main obstacle to that is the outdated mentality of the judicial corps. The problems should be addressed through the implementation of transparent procedures for selection and appointment, periodic evaluations of judicial performance, professionalization of management on both national and court levels.
“The courts should demonstrate they are worthy of independence. But the judges aren’t able to accomplish this by themselves, they need expert assistance” says HRMI Executive Director, former judge himself. “Law on Courts must be drafted by professionals of multiple backgrounds – experts in public administration, public relations, sociology, psychology and perhaps other fields. And the management and administration should be handed over to professionals. Judges are not trained for that”.
Read all the interview at news portal Delfi and independent portal Atgimimas.
© 2012 Human Rights Monitoring Institute