Romania To Change Supreme Court Hiring Criteria

05.04.2011 By Bostan Radu

Candidates for a position in the Romanian High Court of Cassation and Justice will have to meet a series of criteria, including at least 15 years work experience as a judge/prosecutor, and will be interviewed by a psychologist, who will evaluate "their real motivation."

Candidates for a position in the Romanian High Court of Cassation and Justice will have to meet a series of criteria, including at least 15 years work experience as a judge/prosecutor, and will be interviewed by a psychologist, who will evaluate "their real motivation."

The changes to the selection procedure were decided through a bill approved in the Government's meeting on Wednesday.

The new rules say only people with at least 15 years of experience as a judge or prosecutor in an appellate court may run for office in the High Court.

Currently, positions in the High Court are open to judges/prosecutors who have worked in regular courts. The Government argues that requiring experience with every level of jurisdiction improves the judicial process.

The High Court will propose setting up a committee of judges, approved by the High Council of Magistrates, to evaluate a candidate's professional aptitude. The candidates will also be examined by a psychologist, who will check their "real motivation" for seeking a position with the High Court.