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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

National strategy for reforms in judiciary to guarantee its independence

Novi Sad, 10 March 2006

Serbian Minister of Justice Zoran Stojkovic said today in Novi Sad that a well-drafted national strategy for reforms in the judiciary will guarantee the independence of the judiciary and will be based on competent and objective criteria.

Opening a round table discussion themed "Strategy for Reforms in the Serbian Judiciary", held in the Novi Sad District Court, Stojkovic explained that the strategy will be incorporated in all systemic laws related to the judiciary. Participants in the discussion included judges, prosecutors and representatives of the Novi Sad District Court, Commercial Court and Magistrate Council, as well as of regional courts from Backa Palanka, Becej, Vrbas, Temerin and Titel.

According to Stojkovic, once the strategy is composed and subsequently analysed by the Venetian Commission, its final version should be adjusted to conditions in Serbia.

He recalled that the strategy envisages limitations of the justice ministry's role in administrative management of courts. Instead, these matters will be transferred to the High Judiciary Council, he added.

The High Judiciary Council and the Administrative Office will oversee the implementation of the book of regulations, supervise the work of courts and make decisions regarding judges' disciplinary responsibility, said Stojkovic.

He pointed out that the strategy also envisages that the processes of appointing and promoting judges should be made public. This will be performed by the High Judiciary Council with the Serbian Parliament Committee on Justice and Administration stating its view on the matter.

According to Stojkovic, the Serbian President will confirm appointments and the precondition for becoming a judge will be to pass the certification exam at the National Institute for Judiciary Training.

Stojkovic also explained that according to the strategy, the prosecution will be responsible for collecting evidence in a criminal procedure and announced that there may be a possibility for settlement under the supervision of the court.