REFORM OF JUDICIARY IN GEORGIA AS SEEN THROUGH THE EYES OF A GERMAN JUDGE

Abstract

Within the framework of his presentation at Tbilisi State University on June 12, 2015 the author reviewed reform of the judiciary in Georgia. He discussed the role and responsibilities of the High Council of Justice and considers that the Georgian concept is acceptable in general. At the same time, he is critical to the amount of power held by the High Council of Justice with regard to other branches of Government considering the aspects of balance of powers. In this respect, he recommends to oppose the tendencies of centralized governance by establishment of self-governmental authorities within particular courts. Besides, the author of the presentation considers as a deficiency the fact that judge-members of the High Council of Justice, in light of the existing selection procedures, do not represent the diversity that exists within the judiciary. In addition, he considers it necessary that decisions of the High Council of Justice, to a large extent, shall be subject to administrative-legal control.