Initial training program activities conducted for the newly appointed judges during August

The initial training program for newly appointed judges during August delivered fifteen training sessions from the following modules: “National and international legislation”, “Legislation and additional skills” and “Personal and international skills”.

Under the sub-module on “Legislation and human rights” six trainings were provided, in which the following were elaborated: Article 2 the right to life, Article 6 the right to a fair process, Article 8 The right to private and family life, and Article 13 the right to effective remedy before a national authority.

Under the “Professional Ethics sub-module, AJ delivered six training sessions where the newly appointed judges developed their professional skills on matters that relate to: acquainting with basic rules of judicial and prosecutorial ethics, as set forth in the Codes in different real life situations, analysis and solution of the ethics problems, identification and solution to ethical issues, developing critical thinking pertaining to ethics, and correct application of ethical rules and the Code of Professional Ethics.

During this reporting period, the first group of newly appointed judges conducted three training sessions from the sub-module on “trial advocacy skills” that will be delivered also for the other two groups. This training is delivered in practical mode and specifically impacts on skills development on the opening statement, direct and cross examination, impeachment, rehabilitation and the closing statement.

During august two practical trainings were conducted in non-judicial institutions like in the Kosovo Property Comparison and Verification Agency, and the Kosovo Cadastral Agency.

Also, newly appointed judges undertook nine days of practical training in respective courts, as planned in the training program.

The initial training is being undertaken by 54 newly appointed judges, five of whom are of the Serbian community.