For two days, judges deliberated in Linz, and on Friday they decided on a new model for their profession. “In the context of our jurisprudence, we are free of instructions, independent and neutral” – this is how the core of judicial self-confidence is described.
The model was developed jointly by judges from all disciplines, i.e. for criminal, administrative and civil law matters.
“Our tasks are varied and demanding. We provide legal protection, resolve disputes and judge criminal charges,” says the paper. “In doing so, we often intervene deeply in people’s very personal areas of life. In order to meet our responsibility, we make clear, comprehensible and understandable decisions. In this way we create legal certainty and make a contribution to social peace in our country.”
“Don’t fool around quickly”
You don’t work for numbers and statistics, said the re-elected president of the judges’ association, Sabine Matejka. The main focus would be the parties to the proceedings. Judges would try to get it done quickly.
But: “Fiddling down quickly is not a quality feature.” Sometimes you need a little more time and sufficient resources to make a good decision.
Matejka, Elisabeth Lovrek (Supreme Court) and Robert Thienel (Administrative Court) agreed that the judiciary must improve its media work. Instead of judges and public prosecutors who do this job on the side, you need professional media spokespersons.
It is not acceptable that, after a sensational judgment, only the statements of the lawyers can be found in the media, but not the explanations of the court. Matejka: “We need the authority to interpret our decisions.”
Source From: Nachrichten
