Responding to the call of the Supreme Court to honour the founders of the Latvian judicial system in the municipalities where the senators of the Latvian Senate (1918-1940) were born, on September 14, Priekuli Municipality invited the Chief Justice and judges of the Supreme Court to take part in the event dedicated to their townsman – Senator Karlis Ozolins.

Karlis Ozolins was one of the first six senators who started work in the newly formed Senate of Latvia in December 1918. He was the Chair of the Department of Civil Cassation of the Senate since its establishment in 1919 until his death in 1933. From 1931 to 1933, Karlis Ozolins was also the Chair of the General Assembly of the Senate.

"The residents of the area should be proud that one of the founders of the rule of law in Latvia was born here in Veselava. It is necessary to know our history and to show our outstanding townspeople," says Elina Stapulone, the Chair of Priekuli County Council.

In memory of Karlis Ozolins, an oak tree near his native home was planted by the Chair of Priekuli County Council Elina Stapulone, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Ivars Bickovics and Chair of Vidzeme District Court Janis Grinbergs. The place for the oak tree is special – it will flourish in the Square of the Latvian First Flag, which is located in the place of the family home of the flag author Janis Lapins, which is found in the neighbourhood of the birthplace of Senator Karlis Ozolins.

Thereafter, a large number of former and current lawyers from Cesis and Priekuli regions gathered in the Veselava Manor for the festivity dedicated to Karlis Ozolins. Participants listened to a story about Karlis Ozolins and watched the documentary "Senators", enjoyed a concert, during which songs of composer Emils Darzins were played. The composer had close ties with senator Karlis Ozolins – their children, pianist Volfgangs Darzins and painter Anna Ozolina were the family which cultivated Latvian culture both in Latvia and in exile.

"The century is not just a number, it is made up of living people," said the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Therefore, the Supreme Court, in the centennial of the Senate, honours its predecessors – senators – throughout the year. "We are not reinventing the wheel, but we are improving and continuing the work of our predecessors. They are our foundation, our roots, which we honour today," said Ivars Bickovics.

Supreme Court expresses gratitude to the initiators and organizers of the commemorative event of Senator Karlis Ozolins – to Elina Stapulone, the Chair of Priekuli County Council, and Inita Jansone, Chair of the Orphan's Court.

 

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 2865221