Access to justice should be improved by the legislator, – Valentyn Gvozdiy, Managing Partner, GOLAW

This was stated by Valentyn Gvozdiy, Managing Partner atGOLAW, during the presentation of the EBA survey findings – the Court Index 2020.

He explained that the HQCJ has not been able to start operations for 1.5 years already, and since it is impossible to appoint new judges without its participation, this leads to a staff shortage within the judiciary, an increase of workload on judges, and court proceedings protraction.

We do not wish our cases to be heard by judge assistants. We would like the cases to be heard by qualified judges who have been properly trained. And such judges simply do not have time to consider cases qualitatively. Their number should be increased two or three times

said Valentyn Gvozdiy

He also mentioned legislative initiatives regarding the ultimate reforming of the High Council of Justice within the same context. It is currently the only judicial authority that can impose disciplinary sanctions up to judges’ dismissal.

According to the legal community, the activities of the High Council of Justice are quite effective nowadays. This body is really efficient, and I believe that we should support it, not create institutional stress… Unless we have a strict but honest disciplinary body, there will be no hope for any order

emphasized Valentyn Gvozdiy

The business expects quick legislative inclusion of e-court services application into procedural codes. According to a survey[VS1]  by EBA and GOLAW, 69% of businesses believe that the “E-Court” project implementation will improve the parties’ access to justice and increase the level of confidence in the judiciary.