Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association sues High Council of Justice, High School of Justice

The Georgian Young Lawyers has initiated legal action against both the High Council of Justice – the body responsible for selection and appointment of judges across Georgia –  and the High School of Justice, citing their failure to release requested public information. 

The lawsuit was prompted by the lack of response and non-issuance of the requested information by these public agencies, the NGO said. 

Six months ago, on July 11, 2023, the NGO formally requested public information from the High School of Justice, followed by a request to the High Council of Justice on August 9. Despite the passage of time, the institutions did not communicate their refusal to provide the requested information or respond to GYLA’s inquiries.

The NGO asserted that the information they had sought was considered public information under the General Administrative Code, and the institutions were obligated by legislation to disclose the information such as workload of specific judges, list of judges and court chairpersons within the judicial system, number of judges appointed for life, terms of appointment of judges, names of judges who graduated from the Higher School of Justice, information about council meetings and adopted acts. 

From the High School of Justice, the NGO sought information such as decisions made by the independent school board, information related to announced competitions, including the number of participants and evaluation forms.

It emphasized that the current lack of transparency contradicted international recommendations calling for fundamental reforms in the court system, particularly in enhancing transparency, honesty, and accountability.

“In recent years, the deterioration in transparency is evident. This contrasts with international recommendations advocating for a fundamental reform of the court system, including increased transparency, honesty, and accountability”, said the NGO.