HRA NEWSLETTER 13 – TOPIC 12

The Conference of Judges has adopted a new Code of Ethics for judges. According to the Supreme Court of Montenegro, the new Code simplifies and more precisely defines the distinction between ethical and disciplinary responsibility of judges. The adopted document has not yet been published in the Official Gazette of Montenegro or on the official website of the Judicial Council.

The aim of the revised Code is to provide judges with clear guidance in their daily work to strengthen the reputation of the judiciary and public trust in judicial authority.

“The new Code of Ethics for Judges introduces significant improvements in strengthening professional standards and the integrity of the judiciary. Compared to the 2015 version, it is more concise, but remains aligned with international standards and the Bangalore Principles (international standards of judicial ethics adopted by the United Nations), and is based on the core values of judicial office, including independence, impartiality, dignity, and integrity,” the Supreme Court stated.

Implementation of the Code will be overseen by the Commission for Monitoring the Application of the Code of Ethics for Judges.

“The Commission plays an important role in examining ethical issues and dilemmas and is increasingly described in both legal and public discourse as a form of ‘pre-vetting’ for judges. In this way, the courts reaffirm their commitment to strengthening integrity and public trust in the judiciary by developing mechanisms that promote greater transparency and accountability of judicial officeholders,” the Supreme Court added.

The Conference of Judges elected Miodrag Ilićković, a distinguished lawyer and member of the Judicial Council, as Chair of the Commission for Monitoring the Application of the Code of Ethics for Judges. Dražen Medojević, also a member of the Judicial Council from the ranks of distinguished lawyers, was elected Deputy Chair. The Commission members are Branislav Leković, judge of the High Court in Podgorica, and Miodrag Pešić, President of the Administrative Court of Montenegro. Their deputies are Jelena Ružičić, judge of the Supreme Court of Montenegro, and Jelena Anđelić, judge of the Basic Court in Podgorica.

HRA NEWSLETTER 13

• N13.T1 – The Constitutional Court Still Waiting for Judges – Parliament Fails to Elect Any of the Proposed Candidates
• N13.T2 – Draft Amendments to the Law on the Constitutional Court of Montenegro Prepared – New Retirement Conditions for Judges
• N13.T3 – Vesna Medenica Convicted Again – Sentenced to Prison
• N13.T4 – Miloš Medenica Released from Spuž Detention, Vesna Medenica from House Arrest
• N13.T5 – State Prosecutor Srđa Jovanović Sentenced to Prison for Abuse of Office
• N13.T6 – Defendants Acquitted in the “Tunnel” Case, Widespread Criticism of the Verdict
• N13.T7 – The Prosecutor’s Office Report under the Shadow of Political Pressure
• N13.T8 – What Is the Role of the Supreme State Prosecutor?
• N13.T9 – Proposed Candidates for the Prosecutorial Council: One Studied for 16 Years
• N13.T10 – Statute of Limitations and Dismissal of Criminal Complaints in Prosecution Offices and Courts – Inefficiency or Something More Serious?
• N13.T11 – Supreme Court Identified a Procedural Error by the Administrative Court – Case on the Prosecutorial Council’s Decision to Be Reconsidered
• N13.T12 – New Judicial Code of Ethics Adopted – Ilićković to Lead Oversight Commission
• N13.T13 – Process of Establishing the Special Court Begins
• N13.T14 – Basic Court in Rožaje Hosts Open Day: Addressing Peer Violence and Court Challenges
• N13.T15 – Two Unions, Two Approaches to Strikes in the Judiciary