On March 31, when addressing the judges of the newly established Economic Court at the day of commencement of the Court's activities, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the Chair of the Judicial Council Aigars Strupiss said, "The position of a judge is not an easy burden. And I'm not just talking about the professional side – knowledge and skills. I am sure you will manage this task well.

I am talking about difficulties that you may not be aware of yet. When performing the duties of a judge, you will not be able to be good to everyone. No matter how much you want to be that way, you will most often have to decide cases in favour of one of the parties. And this will often lead to a backlash from the losing party – there will be anger, resentment, frustration. Someone can also take action against you, even in person. Don't be afraid of that. As they say, each work has its own “crust”, and this is one of the crusts of a judge's office. Be not only independent, but also fair and honest, because a fair and honest judge has nothing to fear. And treat everyone with respect.

If you ever have doubts about how to do the right thing, remember the words of your oath and look at the situation through the meaning of those words. And be aware that colleagues will always help you in a difficult time with advice if you ask for it.

I am pleased to greet you as full-fledged judges of the Latvian court system. Good luck!"

In turn, at the press conference following the opening of the Economic Court, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court drew attention to two matters regarding the high hopes placed on the new specialized court. First, specialization is positive to a certain extent, as long as it does not obscure the big picture. Second, the Court will not solve the problems caused by a poor investigation – without evidence, no court can convict anyone. "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link," said the Chief Justice.

Aigars Strupiss also dispelled the myth about the allegedly negative attitude of the Judicial Council towards the establishment of the Economic Court. The Judicial Council has not had and does not oppose the idea of specialization or the Court, but it is against the process of setting up the Court, drawing attention to the fact that the primary problem lies at the investigative stage. However, this opinion also does not affect the attitude of the Judicial Council and judges towards their new colleagues – judges of the Economic Court. "This court is neither better nor worse than others. It is one court in the court system,” said Aigars Strupiss. He has already met the new colleagues by leading their training. He has seen strong, young judges with glowing eyes, who wanted to be independent, not to believe others blindly, to check everything for themselves and to make sure of every truth, to treat the participants in case with respect, and to be brave.

 

 

Information prepared by

Rasma Zvejniece, the Head of the Division of Communication of the Supreme Court

E-mail: rasma.zvejniece@at.gov.lv, telephone: +371 67020396, +371 28652211