A new bill debated by MPs proposes lowering the minimum age requirement for judges and lay assessors from 35 to 30 years old. The Judge Status Bill aims to codify the legal standing of the judiciary into a dedicated piece of legislation and further strengthen the independence of the judicial branch.
Under the bill, a new appointment procedure would implement an initial five-year term for judges, followed by a permanent, tenured appointment. The legislation also seeks to tighten eligibility requirements for judges, court presidents, and vice presidents, while establishing stronger social protection measures for members of the judiciary and their families.
During the bill's preparation for its second reading, the core principles governing judicial activity were restructured. Notably, the requirement for judges to remain entirely free from political views and external influences when rendering decisions is being formalized as a distinct baseline principle. Provisions safeguarding judicial independence have also been systematically integrated into the relevant section of the text.
The bill further clarifies the legal status and operational guarantees for retired judges. Under the proposed framework, retired judges will receive official identification, the option to voluntarily participate in judicial community bodies upon consent, and the right to practice as professional mediators.
Crucially, the bill ensures they retain lifetime immunity for judicial opinions expressed and verdicts rendered while serving on the bench.
In tandem, the legislation redefines the specific actions that can trigger disciplinary liability for active members of the judiciary. The text explicitly outlines the legal definition of a "gross violation of legality." It also establishes a clear tracking mechanism requiring a higher-instance court to officially verify such a violation and document it within a formal special ruling.
During parliamentary debates, MPs emphasized that codifying judicial standing into a standalone law is a critical milestone for safeguarding the independence of the judicial branch, while heavily reinforcing the legal and social protections afforded to judges. At the conclusion of the session, the bill was passed by the lower house and forwarded to the Senate.
The lower house initially reviewed and approved the bill during its first reading on September 8, which formally laid the groundwork to implement the institution of "retired judges" and grant them the authority to engage in professional mediation.
