Policy Paper: Independent and impartial judiciary in Montenegro 28 pages, pdf  Download Back

Policy Paper: Independent and impartial judiciary in Montenegro

Publisher: Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM), Montenegro

Date: June 2012

Volume: 28 pages, pdf

Description

Just like in the majority of post-transition countries, judiciary in Montenegro is faced with numerous challenges, like the ones of organized crime and corruption, backlog of court cases, inappropriate material-technical equipment, as well as the inheritance of strong influence exerted by the executive power. It also seems that these days, judiciary has been targeted and criticized openly more than ever before. But there are also other, subtle interference with its independence. On the other hand, the basis of judicial independence is clear; it requires from the courts to adjudicate impartially, without any constraints, illegal influences and pressures. Having in mind the fact that the reform of judiciary represents one out of seven key priorities for Montenegrin accession to the European Union, the necessary changes must follow the direction of establishing functional and political independence of judges and prosecutors, as well as other authorities that can appear as a part of judicial proceedings, but also of securing the appropriate economic status of judiciary as a whole. Finally, these changes should result in the efficiency and quality of trials, but also in the trust of the citizens in judiciary.