Serbia proposes Judicial Academy focus on training, councils on selection

Serbia's Justice Minister Nenad Vujić has outlined a proposed law that would redefine the role of the Judicial Academy. According to the proposal, which the government has sent to the National Assembly, the Academy will be responsible for training and acquiring specific qualifications for legal professionals. The selection of judges and prosecutors, however, will be handled by the High Judicial Council and the High Prosecutorial Council. Minister Vujić stated at a public hearing in Niš that this division of responsibilities aligns with Council of Europe standards, which advocate for separating training institutions from those responsible for selection and advancement. He emphasized that the Council of Europe and the European Union support establishing an organized training system, encompassing initial and continuous professional development for judges and prosecutors. The proposed law grants the councils significant oversight over the Academy's training programs, including quality control, admission, and final exams. Vujić noted that the Academy would serve as a service for the judicial and prosecutorial councils, which would appoint members of the examination commissions. The Academy's mandate would also extend to training judicial and prosecutorial assistants, as well as administrative staff. The training program would feature four levels, varying based on candidates' prior experience. Those with up to two years of experience post-law exam would undergo two years of training, while candidates with six or more years of experience would receive three months of training. Individuals who do not rank high enough for selection after training could still receive a certificate of completion, though without pay during the training period. The proposed law is scheduled for further public hearings in Novi Sad and Belgrade.

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The Council of Europe recommends, and the European Union stands behind it, that an organized training system must be established which includes previous or initial training, and later continuous training of judges and prosecutors.