The judicial system in Albania

The judicial power is exercised by the courts of first instance, the courts of appeal and the High Court.

Courts may be created by law for particular fields, but in no case may an extraordinary court be created.

Reforms

To further increase the performance of the justice system by strengthening the efficiency, transparency, accountability and quality of Courts, enforcement or court rulings and access to justice in Albania.

Reforms

Made in the field of Court Administration and Management, Enforcement of Court Rulings, as well as to further develop Alternative Dispute Resolution measures (mediation and arbitration).

ReformsHave contributed to:

•Increase the independence, quality and efficiency of the Albanian Justice system.

•Support the shortening of court proceedings and the reduction of the court and enforcements services backlog,

•To prevent violations of Article 6 of the European Convention of Human Rights and

•Increase the quality and trust of the public in the justice system.

What were we looking for?

To strengthen Justice system efficiency and quality of court administration and case management:

1.Efficiency and effectiveness of Courts and court proceedings enhanced

2.Status, organization and professionalism of Court staff improved

1.Quality and transparency of Courts further developed

How

Improvement of the Enforcement System, ongoing process:

•Institutional capacities rationalized and improved.

•Professionalism of enforcement agents and relevant actors improved.

•Performance and efficiency of enforcements systems improved in all the regions.

Justice and Home Affairs Sector

Specific objectives in this sector are:

1.The separation and balance between powers to increase independence, direct the court system towards the best European practices,

2.Strengthen the status and professionalism of judges and prosecutors

3.Achieve a sustainable increase in the level of execution of court decisions.

4.Improve the infrastructure in the judicial sector, i.e. the courts.

Justice and Home Affairs Sector:

The aim remains: Reduction of the length of court proceedings and reduction in backlog of cases.

Challenges

•Independence, efficiency and accountability of judicial institutions

•Consolidation of public trust in the judiciary in order for the latter to be fair and respected by all;

•Consolidation of independence of the judiciary and justice system bodies concerning the structural, functional and financial aspect.

Stages of reforms

EURALIUS I, (June 2005 to November 2007)

•Justice Organization and Justice Reform, •Inter-Institutional Dialogue and Cooperation, •Improvement of Management Capacities of the Judiciary and Ministry of Justice,•Improvement of Management of the Office for the Administration of the Judicial Budget (OAJB), •Legislation Drafting in Justice Matters and Law Approximation, Penitentiary Issues, Enforcement of Rulings, Land Administration.

Stages of reforms

EURALIUS II, (November 2007- May 2010)

Reforms again focused on the areas of assistance as previously stated, but also in addition on Criminal Justice and Immovable Property Rights issues.

Stages of reforms

EURALIUS III, (September 2010- April 2013) further focuses on

• Transparency, accountability, professionalism, efficiency and effectiveness of all institutions of the Albanian justice system,

•Improve check and balances and inspection systems,

•Improve the legal framework of judicial procedures,

•Bring the criminal justice system in compliance with the EU standards.

Stages of reforms

Training of Court Administrators,

1.Contributing to a better administration of court cases, through: The provision of training to court administrators,

2.Creation of a permanent training programme for court administrators,

3.Training of trainers to deliver these programmes, procurement of (administrative) equipment for court administration.

Other reforms

•High Council of Justice and its Inspectorate, (To increase the independence of the judiciary in Albania, to enhance the authority, increase the capacity and improve the functioning of the HCJ and its Inspectorate)

•Establishment of Judicial Systems in Juvenile and Commercial Matters, 2004.

•Support to the Sustainability of the School of Magistrates, CARDS 2005

Other reforms

•An Action plan for the development of commercial mediation in Albania has been prepared for the Ministry of Justice on October 2010 by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution.

•"Fostering the implementation of restorative justice and victim offender mediation in the probation service" supports and bring s together a broad range of actors committed to the promotion and consolidation of restorative justice and in Albania.

Pending issues

•Credibility•Corruption•Fairness•Other

Thank you for your attention