In a significant move to overhaul its judicial system, Ukraine has recently sworn in nearly 250 new judges. This national hiring initiative, completed just last month, aims to reinstate public faith in the courts and cement the rule of law, a crucial step in Ukraine's journey towards European Union membership.
Olha Vdovychenko, a 37-year-old judge from eastern Ukraine, emphasizes the moral responsibility of her new role. "People always come to court with problems," she states, highlighting the importance of being relatable and person-centric in her approach.
This judicial reform is part of Ukraine's broader efforts to distance itself from its Soviet past and align with European standards. Since gaining independence in 1991, Ukraine has faced numerous challenges in reforming its legal system, which is based on civil law. The country's three-tiered court system, consisting of local courts, courts of appeal, and the Supreme Court, has undergone several reforms in the past three decades.
One of the newly appointed judges, Ievgen Zavgorodnii, brings a unique perspective to the bench. The 44-year-old former anti-corruption investigator fought in the defense of Kyiv during Russia's 2022 invasion before transitioning to his judicial role. Zavgorodnii, who first applied for the position in 2017, acknowledges the challenges of the transition but welcomes his new vocation.
The appointment of these judges follows an overhaul of judicial governance sought by the European Union. Ukraine's EU membership aspirations, formalized with its application in 2022, have been a driving force behind these reforms. The EU has consistently emphasized judicial reform as a key requirement for Ukraine's potential membership.
However, public trust in the judicial system remains low. A survey conducted by the Razumkov Centre think tank in Kyiv five months ago revealed that 70% of Ukrainians distrust the judicial system. This cynicism is fueled by years of corruption that authorities are now actively trying to address.
"My task right now is to professionally, impartially and independently administer justice."
Recent high-profile cases have highlighted the ongoing challenges. A former head of the Supreme Court is currently awaiting trial for allegedly accepting a $2.7 million bribe, while another judge is being tried for a fatal drunk driving incident involving a national guardsman.
Zavgorodnii argues that corruption in the judiciary is no more widespread than in other state institutions, but judges face more intense scrutiny. "For better or for worse, because judges are objects of intense scrutiny from society, their mistakes ... are more noticeable," he explains.
The establishment of the High Anti-Corruption Court in 2019 was a significant step in Ukraine's fight against corruption. Additionally, the Venice Commission, an advisory body of the Council of Europe, has provided recommendations for Ukraine's judicial reforms.
As Ukraine continues its path towards EU membership and strengthens its rule of law, the behavior of judges both inside and outside the courtroom will be crucial. Vdovychenko, whose grandfather was also a judge, emphasizes this point: "I think we need also to show that judges are regular people ... that they truly want to work in the interests of the people."
This judicial overhaul represents a critical juncture in Ukraine's development, as it seeks to build a more transparent, accountable, and trustworthy legal system that aligns with European standards and serves its citizens effectively.