ZAGREB, June 11 (Hina) - Instead of taking part in the work of an expert group on the concept of reform of the justice system formed by Prime Minister Ivica Racan, president of the Croatian Supreme Court Ivica Crnic on Wednesday
forwarded a letter to the justice minister, suggesting twenty measures for improving the situation in the justice system.
ZAGREB, June 11 (Hina) - Instead of taking part in the work of an
expert group on the concept of reform of the justice system formed
by Prime Minister Ivica Racan, president of the Croatian Supreme
Court Ivica Crnic on Wednesday forwarded a letter to the justice
minister, suggesting twenty measures for improving the situation
in the justice system. #L#
Crnic told a news conference that a team of four experts, formed at a
meeting of representatives of the legislature, judiciary and
executive authority on May 20, had not even met once, although it
had the task of drawing up a concept of reform of the justice system
within 15 days.
Crnic said he did not respond to an invitation for a meeting with
Justice Minister Ingrid Anticevic Marinovic, because he believes
that he had made a sufficient contribution by suggesting the
measures to improve the judiciary in the letter to the minister.
Crnic said he did not see the measures which had to be undertaken as
a reform of the justice system, because reform had been started with
the Croatian Constitution of 1990 when independence of the
judiciary and of the judge's profession were guaranteed, which was
not brought into question by anyone any longer.
Instead of a reform concept, Crnic expects of the government
concrete moves to improve the situation and develop the judiciary.
Crnic warned that the situation in the justice system would not
improve significantly without financial support which the
executive and legislative authorities should secure for the
judiciary, and without exact deadlines and the bearers of
activities in the development of the justice system in the two
authorities.
It is fairer to say that there is no money for significant actions
than to spread optimism that something can be solved quickly, Crnic
said.
"Contrary to politicians, I am not allowed to do so," he said.
Crnic stressed that the task of judges in existing and possibly
improved legal, personnel and material conditions, was to work as
best and as hard as they can, conscientiously, expertly and
responsibly.
Those who cannot fulfil this task should leave the judiciary or will
go through disciplinary proceedings, Crnic said.
He described criticism that it was improper that he had not met with
Racan as unfounded and malicious. Such criticism had no basis in the
Constitution, he said.
The principle of division of authority means that every branch of
authority is independent within its competence, but according to
the Constitution, this also includes cooperation and the control of
the bearers of all three branches of authority, Crnic said.
"Judges and the judiciary are independent in making decisions, and
only the legislative and executive authorities can secure more
money for the work of the judiciary".
Crnic said he, therefore, saw no other way to improve the situation
in the judiciary besides cooperation and talks between leaders of
the judiciary with highest representatives of the legislative and
executive authorities.
(hina) lml