Romanian Justice System Marred By Large No. Of Files, Shallowness – Justice Min

Predoiu said Romania is currently implementing a set of public policies, which will help modernize the country's justice system. According to the minister, the system is slowed down by the over four million cases per year, the unbalanced number of judges per court and the ban on hiring new magistrates, which the Government should lift.

Predoiu urged the country's High Council of Magistrates to rethink its staff chart and resource allotment system. The minister also said that the research program for identifying the optimal work load for judges should be discontinued. The justice system requires a new strategy, as not all courts and judges are equally efficient, said Predoiu.

Predoiu said that he hopes the newly implemented court date deferral procedure will not cause further disruptions to the course of trials. Trials in Romania last much too long as it is, and deferrals in high-profile corruption cases have led the public to lose faith in the system.

The system is also impaired by the courts' inconsistent decision-making, stemming from the superficial manner in which prosecutors and judges prepare their cases, and by the Parliament's slowness in adopting certain laws.

Predoiu said the system's problems can only be solved through long-term political support, but that such cooperation would disagree with the interests of many political figures.

The minister took part Monday in a seminar focused on the efficiency of the legal system, organized by the Franco-Romanian Jurists' Association.

If you liked this story, please follow MEDIAFAX.RO on FACEBOOK »

The content of mediafax.ro is for your information only. Republishing or using this content is forbidden without express consent of MEDIAFAX. For this consent, please ask for it by mail at vanzari@mediafax.ro.