IMPROVING OF JUDICIAL EDUCATION THROUGH THE INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL SCHOOL OF JUDGES OF UKRAINE

UDC 347.962

ORCID: 0000-0002-0588-0540

DOI 10.37566/2707-6849-2019-3(28)-1

(PDF)

 

ONISHCHUK Mykola,
The Rector of the National School of Judges of Ukraine, Doctor of Juridicial Science, honored lawer of Ukraine

 

 IMPROVING OF JUDICIAL EDUCATION THROUGH THE INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL SCHOOL OF JUDGES OF UKRAINE

 

The article reveals the peculiarities of establishment and institutional development of National school of judges of Ukraine (NSJU) as an institution with a special status in the judicial system.

The paper discusses main methodological principles for initial and periodical training of judges, as well as special training of candidates for the position of judge, which are defined in the Concept of National Standards for Judicial Education, approved by NSJU as a special document.

According to the values which are declared in the document the main scope of judicial education is not only giving knowledge but also special skills development. It is the reason for implementing of interactive approaches to the learning process.

The institution aims to integrate digital innovations into judicial education. It is the digitization of judicial education that will allow NSJU to move to the identification of individual educational needs of the judge and the formation of personalized training programs.

Distance learning as a form of periodic training of judges plays a significant role in the development of judicial education. This form of training makes educational process flexible and dynamic, creates an opportunity for each listener, regardless of the level of court and judicial specialization, to work on the recommended personal schedule of the course.

The article also deals with the specialties of initial training of candidates for the position of judge which is conducted in accordance with European standards for the organization of judicial educational events.

In addition to law courses, the focus of initial training is also on issues of judicial ethics and integrity, anti-corruption legislation, psychological adaptation to judicial activity, judicial discipline, litigation management and alternative dispute resolution, international and European law. Interactive trainings and internships for candidates for the position of judge are aimed to expand and deepen legal knowledge, as well as to develop judicial skills and understanding the social context of justice.

It is declared in the article that NSJU has introduced the Judicial Education Assessment Methodology, which has become a criterion for the effectiveness of the School's activity as a judicial education institution and is an important element of improving of all components of the educational process.

Key words:National School of Judges of Ukraine, judicial education, methods of judicial education, training of judges, special training of candidates for the position of judge.  

References 

Strategy for the Reform of the Judiciary, Judiciary and Related Legal Institutions for 2015-2020: Approved by Presidential Decree of May 20, 2015 No. 276/2015. URL: http://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/276/2015 [Ukr.].

On the Judiciary and the Status of the Court: Law of Ukraine in Ed. from 02.06.2016. URL: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/1402-19/ed20160602 [Ukr.].

The concept of national standard judicial educational institutions: Annex 5 to the NSAU Regulations, required order dated 24.06.2016 No. 34. URL:  http://www.nsj.gov.ua/en/about/symbols/ [Ukr.].

NSJU Development Strategy for 2016-2020. URL:  http://www.nsj.gov.ua/files/14676144821452070855%D0%A1%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%B3%D1% 96% D1% 8F_% D1% 80% D0% BE%

Opinion No 4 (2003) Advisory Councils of the Council of the European Courts, with respect, Committee on the Activity and the Ministry of Justice at the national and European levels, dedicated to November 27, 2003.  URL: https://court.gov.ua/inshe/mss/ [Ukr.].