Justice Budget Causes Concern Among Judges
The representatives of judges are "deeply concerned" about the lack of additional positions in the justice budget. Despite new legal responsibilities and a massive increase in the number of cases, a corresponding response from the politicians has been absent, according to the Judges' Association and the GÖD section in a joint statement. Prosecutors are also "disappointed" about the failure to cover the massive additional workload caused by recent laws.
Justice budget without more positions
The justice budget stipulates that the number of positions should remain the same. Recently, judges had demanded 200 additional positions - citing the personnel requirement calculation of the Ministry of Justice for district and regional courts as well as numerous recent laws. An additional need for personnel was noted, for example, in the new regulation of mobile phone confiscation. However, these positions have not actually been filled.
It is acknowledged that in times of economic challenges and increasing debt, austerity measures are necessary and that the justice budget is also required to contribute, according to the judges. "But justice needs appropriate resources, and without sufficient personnel, swift resolutions can no longer be guaranteed," said Judges' Association President Gernot Kanduth. As a result, the pressure on the justice system would continue to increase and proceedings would take longer.
Prosecutors: "Disappointment"
Similarly, the Association of Prosecutors. Recent measures such as the Criminal Procedure Amendment Act, which includes the new mobile phone seizure, have created a "massive additional workload" for prosecutors, and a similar situation is expected with planned initiatives such as the criminalization of sending penis pictures. The fact that this is not being offset with more positions is a "disappointment," according to an information letter.
Duration of "Court Year" to be Changed
The court practice, often referred to as the "court year," as preparation for traditional legal professions, is to be shortened from seven to five months. This is provided for in the draft of the Budget Accompanying Act. The aim is to "contribute to the necessary budget consolidation while ensuring high-quality professional training and education," according to the explanations.
In Austria, in addition to completing a law degree, it is necessary to complete court practice to become a judge, prosecutor, lawyer, or notary. Law graduates have a legal right to admission to the so-called "court year," during which they are supposed to become familiar with court operations. During this period, they are also paid (currently just under 1,800 euros per month).
In past decades, the practice period has been repeatedly shortened or extended. With the 2011 austerity package, it was reduced from nine to five months. In 2017, it was increased to seven months again to ensure the quality of training.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.