ZAGREB, Feb 27 (Hina) - Supreme Court judges said on Friday that the 2004 draft budget did not guarantee the solving of many backlog cases, namely the stepping up of court processes, because it dis not foresee investments in the
development of the judicial authority.
ZAGREB, Feb 27 (Hina) - Supreme Court judges said on Friday that the
2004 draft budget did not guarantee the solving of many backlog cases,
namely the stepping up of court processes, because it dis not foresee
investments in the development of the judicial authority.#L#
Given that the development of the judiciary was one of Croatia's
priorities in the process of Stabilisation and Association with the
European Union and the draft state budget does not guarantee that, the
judges said there was a discrepancy between political promises and a
real political will to ensure enough funds from the state budget.
The supreme court judges therefore warned parliament and the
government about their responsibility for the situation in the
judicial authority as well as for possible consequences in the process
of associating with the EU. The judges stressed that one would not be
able to blame the courts for failing to meet the public expectations,
unless they are guaranteed proper working conditions.
They said that budgetary funds for the expert training of judges were
not sufficient, particularly because of numerous amendments which
stipulate the jurisdiction of courts.
The judges also said that budgetary funds will not be sufficient to
improve working conditions in courts or for higher wages for persons
employed in the judiciary.
(Hina) it sb