Parliament adopts law resuming work of High Qualification Commission of Judges

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted a law resuming work of the High Qualification Commission of Judges (HQCJ), which provides for the decisive role of international experts in the Commission’s formation.

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, 293 MPs voted in the second reading for the adoption of the draft law "On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On the Judicial System and the Status of Judges" and some laws of Ukraine on the resumption of the work of the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine."

Thus, the MPs supported amendment No. 453, which provides for the decisive role of international experts in the formation of the High Qualification Commission of Judges.

The Commission’s members are appointed by the High Council of Justice for four years based on the results of a competition.

The law determines that the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine consists of 16 members, eight of whom are appointed from among judges or retired judges. The High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine is considered plenipotentiary, provided that at least 11 members are appointed to its composition.

The contest committee holds a competition for the position of a HQCJ member in two stages: selection of candidates based on the results of consideration of documents submitted by them, the results of a special check, relevant information from open sources and interviewing the selected candidates and determining the list of candidates for recommendation to the High Council of Justice.

The same person cannot hold the position of a HQCJ member for more than two consecutive terms.

As Ukrinform reported, on March 3, 2021, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted in the first reading draft law "On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On the Judicial System and the Status of Judges "and some laws of Ukraine regarding the resumption of the work of the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine," which regulates the procedure for selecting members of the High Qualification Commission of Judges.

The work of the previous HQCJ was terminated after the adoption of the Law "On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On the Judicial System and the Status of Judges" and some laws of Ukraine regarding the activities of judicial authorities" in the fall of 2019.

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