Georgia—Support to the Independence, Accountability, and Efficiency of the Judiciary

Georgia has undergone extensive reform to increase judicial independence, accountability, efficiency, and transparency. Key reforms concerning the selection, promotion, and transfer of judges and judicial integrity are addressed, alongside structural changes in the High School of Justice and Supreme Court to strengthen judicial independence. These efforts are detailed in the Draft Organic Law of Georgia on Entering Amendments to the Organic Law of Georgia on Common Courts.

Our project assisted with ensuring the impartiality and professionalism of the judiciary towards being free from political or any other undue interference in Georgia. Our team consolidated planning and strategies, strengthened the capacity of judges and other judicial personnel, rationalized the selection and promotion procedures for judges, streamlined the judicial case flow, enhanced the empowerment and integrity of judges, improved courts’ communication practices, and consolidated the position and efficiency of the Constitutional Court. Since 2016, the project has supported a comprehensive judicial reform strategy, launched a web portal for Tbilisi City Court, developed an electronic case-management system for the Constitutional Court, and introduced modern HR instruments for court managers.

Sample Activities

• Consolidate judicial strategies to provide an overarching framework to unify judicial institutions in the implementation of key reforms.
• Strengthen the capacity of judges and their assistants as reforms are implemented.

Select Results

• Drafted the Action Plan for the Supreme Court in line with the Judiciary Strategy, Georgia’s international commitments with time-bound indicators, and budget allocations.
• Co-drafted the Charter on Coordination and Monitoring Mechanisms for the High-Court of Justice in Georgia.
• Drafted and published the 2019 State of Justice Report of the Supreme Court of Georgia and the 2019 Report of the Independent Inspector of Georgia.
• Held biannual justice schools for judicial assistants, employees of analytical units, and law students with training, discussions, workshops, and small grant competitions for judicial practitioners to develop their skills.
• Finalized a user-friendly, informative, and efficient web portal for the Tbilisi City Court.
• Developed a manual on human resource management standards, including personal data protection issues, within the judiciary with increased capacities of respective staff.
• Finalized and institutionalized a manual on the application and justification of preventive measures in cooperation with the High School of Justice in Georgia.