Justice minister speaks out on disputed draft law

The draft law has drawn criticism from parts of the legal community, including the Judges’ Association of Serbia, which says it could undermine the councils’ constitutional authority to select judges and public prosecutors and that it is not in line with Venice Commission recommendations.

He told a public hearing in the southern city of Nis that the division of responsibilities is in line with Council of Europe and EU standards, which call for training institutions to be separate from bodies responsible for judicial appointments and promotions.

“The Council of Europe recommends, and the European Union supports, establishing an organized training system covering both initial and continuous training of judges and prosecutors,” Vujic said.

The draft law gives the councils oversight of the Academy’s training programs, entrance and final examinations, while the Academy would train judicial and prosecutorial assistants and administrative staff.