New Handbooks for Investigating Judges Are Already with Our Partners

August 08, 2024

The judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law. This role extends beyond merely adjudicating cases and delivering verdicts. Judges are engaged at various stages of the judicial process within their jurisdictions. Ensuring that final decisions are just and that the rights of all parties are respected depends significantly on the education and training of judges.

In this context, the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine has been actively collaborating with the National School of Judges (NSJ) of Ukraine. This partnership aims to train and equip competent judicial personnel capable of maintaining a fair and rightful criminal justice system based on the rule of law and respect for human rights. As part of the EUAM project “Strengthening Rule of Law in Time of War,” the Mission has supported the preparation of the new handbook, “Investigating Judge: Current Issues of Activity”, and yesterday, 7 August, 1,500 copies were handed over to the NSJ.

Edited by O.S. Korotkova and I.S. Shapovalova, this handbook is a comprehensive resource dedicated to examining the current issues within the jurisdiction of investigating judges during judicial oversight. It provides a thorough analysis of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine and relevant positions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), offering practical guidance for judges, particularly in less regulated areas of Ukraine’s criminal procedural law.

The handbook is intended for judges, their assistants, legal professionals, and anyone interested in the subject matter. It includes both theoretical and practical aspects, offering recommendations on interpreting national legislation and applying European human rights standards. References to leading scholars and a summary table of applicable ECHR decisions enhance the handbook’s practical value.

The handbook is expected to play a significant role in the ongoing professional development and education of Ukrainian judges, equipping them with the knowledge needed to navigate the evolving legal landscape in Ukraine, particularly during wartime.