Focus аrea:
Judicial ethics and integrity in the digital environment
Project donor organization:
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) within the framework of the Justice for All Program
Project start:
2024 рік
Project completion:
2024 рік
Proposals for amendments to the Code of Judicial Ethics regarding the behavior of judges on social networks, taking into account the provisions of the Opinion of the CJEC No. 25 (2022) and the results of the conducted research
The aim of the project was to update and clarify the provisions of the Code of Judicial Ethics regarding the conduct of judges in social networks, taking into account the realities of the digital environment, modern forms of public communication and the growing influence of the online space on trust in the judiciary. The project was aimed at forming clear and understandable ethical guidelines that would help judges responsibly exercise the right to freedom of expression without prejudice to the independence, impartiality and authority of justice.
The basis for the development of the project was the provisions of the Opinion No. 25 (2022) of the Consultative Council of European Judges on the freedom of expression of judges and its limits in a democratic society, as well as the results of an empirical study on the perception of judges' behavior on social networks by the population and representatives of professional legal communities. The data obtained showed high public expectations for the restraint of judges in the online space, the lack of a clear distinction between the private and professional identity of a judge, as well as the negative impact of political or evaluative publications on the level of trust in the judicial system.
As a result of the project, proposals were prepared for amendments to the Code of Judicial Ethics, which took into account modern digital challenges and international standards. The proposed changes did not limit the participation of judges in social networks, but were aimed at consolidating the principles of responsible and balanced behavior, in particular regarding commenting on public events, court cases and the activities of other authorities. The implementation of these proposals was designed to minimize ethical and disciplinary risks, provide additional guarantees for judges themselves and contribute to strengthening public trust in the judiciary in Ukraine.
1. What was the main goal of the project?
The goal of the project was to update the provisions of the Code of Judicial Ethics regarding the behavior of judges on social networks, taking into account modern digital challenges, international standards, and public expectations, as well as to form clear guidelines for responsible online behavior of judges.
2. What international standards were used during the development of the project?
The project was based primarily on the Opinion of the Consultative Council of European Judges No. 25 (2022), which defines the limits of judges' freedom of expression and emphasizes the increased responsibility of judges in the public and digital space.
3. What role did research play within the project?
The empirical study allowed us to take into account the perception of judges' online behavior by the public and professional legal communities. Its results showed high expectations for judges' restraint on social media and became an important basis for the formation of specific proposals for amendments to the Code.
4. What result was expected from the implementation of the proposed changes?
The implementation of the changes was intended to help reduce ethical and disciplinary risks, protect judges from ambiguous interpretations of their behavior on social media, and strengthen public trust in the judiciary by adapting ethical standards to the digital age.