With a view to improving the methodology used to collect statistical data on national judicial systems and to homogenize the way countries reply to the evaluation scheme, the CEPEJ has decided, at its 10th plenary meeting (Strasbourg, 5 - 6 December 2007), to implement a pilot co-operation process of peer evaluation. The objective of the peer evaluation is to reinforce the credibility of the data collected in the framework of the evaluation exercise aimed at European judicial systems. It is also the opportunity for States in which the visits are conducted, to facilitate exchanges of experiences between the national judicial statistics systems, to share good practices and to identify common indicators. Evaluation is carried out in 3 volunteer States in the timeframe of a period corresponding to an evaluation exercise. (Source:
CEPEJ).
In this framework, a peer evaluation took place in Lithuania, on 27 and 28 May 2015. The CEPEJ asked Mathieu Chardon, 1st Secretary of the UIHJ to participate in the mission. The CEPEJ delegation consisted in:
- Ms Laetitia Brunin (France);
- Ms Yinka Tempelman (Netherlands);
- Mr Mathieu Chardon (UIHJ);
- Mr Ramin Gurbanov (Azerbaidjan);
- Ms Christel Schurrer, Secretary of the Evaluation Group of the CEPEJ;
- Ms Lidija Naumovska, the statistician responsible for the CEPEJ data.
The delegation of the CEPEJ first visited the headquarters of the National Courts Administration in Vilnius. It was received by Egidijus Lauzikas, President of the Judicial Council, Judge of the Supreme Court of Lithuania, Laima Garneliene, Judge of the Court of Appeal of Lithuania, member of the Judicial Council, and Reda Moliene, director of the National Courts Administration. Several presentations were made: presentation of the Lithuanian legal system, ongoing projects within the National Courts Administration, electronic services and institutions responsible for the collection of statistics on justice system.
The delegation then visited the Regional Court of Vilnius and the District Court of the city of Vilnius. A meeting was also held at the Ministry of Justice of Lithuania. It concerned the people involved in data collection: representatives of the Ministry of Justice, Directorate of International Law, Judicial Council, National Courts Administration, judges, prosecutors, Chamber of judicial officers, Chamber of Notaries and the Bar.
Finally, the CEPEJ delegation visited the Trakai District Court where it was received by its president, Nijole Zaleckiene.
During each meeting, the discussions tackled ongoing projects and reforms, including mediation or reorganisation of courts. These fruitful exchanges will refine CEPEJ data collection and a give a better understanding for all stakeholders.
The UIHJ is particularly grateful to the CEPEJ for having been associated with this process.
