Event Overview

The Independence of the Judiciary – a core principle for a country based on the rule of law

Imagine judges in your country having to decide their cases following decisions from government officials and ignore the applicable law. Imagine a country where there is no independence of the judiciary. For some this sounds unreal, but for others this has become a reality they have to deal with.

To ensure the rule of law, the judiciary needs to be separate from and independent of the government. Judgements must be given impartially, regardless of who is in power and without undue influence from the Executive, the Legislature or any other inappropriate sources. In no situation should one party win a lawsuit because the government or a high-ranking government official decides so and not the judges on their own.

Unfortunately, history proves that – like all other democratic principles or democracy itself –the independence of the judiciary can also be easily undermined or even completely disabled. Often this happens without attracting much public attention or even goes completely unnoticed. Some citizens may not understand or realise what the consequences entail: this may lead to democracy turning into a form of dictatorship.

AIJA is committed to defending and taking active part in promoting core legal principles, specifically related to human rights. During this session, we will take a closer look at the rights and freedoms of the Judiciary. The importance of the “separation of powers” into Executive, Legislature and Judiciary powers will also be discussed. We hope to bring more awareness about the importance of the independence of the Judiciary and share insights into how legal practitioners can timely identify risks to its independence. As legal professionals, it is our duty to stand up courageously for the principles of the rule of law. Come and see what you can do!

Registration to this session is free to all Polish legal practitioners under 45 years old and AIJA Half-Year Conference participants.

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Fees & General Info

There are currently no registration fees available.

General terms and conditions

By registering you have to accept the general terms and conditions and accept that your registration is considered binding immediately, but participation to the event is possible only after full payment of the registration fee.

Please note that any arrangements related to the participation of the participant in an AIJA event, including but not limited to booking or cancellation of accommodation or flights, as well as respecting the cancellation deadlines indicated in the general terms and conditions, are the sole responsibility of the participant. AIJA shall not be held liable for any expenses the participant may suffer as the result of participant’s failure to comply with his/her obligations.

It is recommended for each participant to purchase a cancellation and travel insurance.

Please note that in-house counsel registrations are subject to review and confirmation by AIJA. AIJA considers in-house counsel professionals who hold a university degree in law allowing access to a bar association and practicing law as an in-house counsel in private, public, or non-profit companies, institutions or organisations. Please note that in-house counsel who are at the same time active as fee-earning lawyers or consultants are not eligible to the discounted in-house counsel fee.

Please read the general terms and conditions applicable for AIJA events.

Scholarships

If you are a lawyer under 35 years old and meet the requirements, apply to our Scholarship Programme for this event. You can check more details here.

Practical Information

Venue:

The Human Rights Session “The Independence of the Judiciary” will take place from 17:00 to 18:30 CET on 24 May 2018 at Sofitel Warsaw Victoria during the AIJA Half-Year Conference. 

SOFITEL WARSAW VICTORIA *****
Krolewska 11 
00-065 Warsaw

Tel: (+48)22/6578011
Fax: (+48)22/6578057
E-mail: H3378@sofitel.com / Website

Accessible by public transport:
Bus:  UNIWERSYTET (0.4 KM/ 0.25 MI)  /  ZACHETA (0.3 KM/ 0.19 MI)
Railway Station:  WARSZAWA CENTRALNA (2.0 KM/ 1.24 MI)

Registration: 

This session is free to all Polish legal practitioners under 45 years old and AIJA Half-Year Conference participants.  Upfront registration however is compulsory to be granted access to the session. 

Speakers: 

  • Mikołaj Pietrzak, Advocate, Dean of the District Bar Council in Warsaw, permanent representative of the Polish Bar at the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) in the Human Rights Commission and Partner at the law firm Pietrzak Sidor & Partners. Read our latest interview.
  • Dr. Przemysław Tacik, Assistant Professor at the Institute of European Studies, Jagiellonian University in Kraków and strong promoter of human rights in various projects. Read our latest interview

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