ZAGREB, April 26 (Hina) - The Croatian Judges Association (UHS) Steering Committee has said amendments proposed to the Penal Code clash with the Constitution and law theory and practice. The "Juris Protecta" association for legal
protection, however, dismisses the reasons why the UHS is opposing the changes.
ZAGREB, April 26 (Hina) - The Croatian Judges Association (UHS)
Steering Committee has said amendments proposed to the Penal Code
clash with the Constitution and law theory and practice. The "Juris
Protecta" association for legal protection, however, dismisses the
reasons why the UHS is opposing the changes. #L#
According to UHS president Vladimir Gredelj, introducing criminal
accountability for judges is unacceptable. Under the changes,
judges would be held to account if they deliberately ruled in favour
or to the detriment of a party in the proceedings.
"Juris Protecta" on Saturday issued a statement headlined "Judges
are not Sacred Cows" in which it recalls that Germany has a similar
penalty clause. Germany envisages up to five years in jail for
judges who consciously break the law when making a ruling. They are
also obliged to pay damages to the wronged party, whether it was a
matter of deliberate intention or just negligence.
The UHS' stand is seen as a sign that the association is advocating
no punishment for judges who make a judgement at the request of one
of the parties in the proceedings.
(hina) ha sb