Improving of judicial education through the institutional development of the National School of Judges of Ukraine
Authors: Onishuk Mykola 
Published: February 2020

The article reveals the peculiarities of establishment and institutional development of National school of judges of Ukraine (NSJU) as an institution with a special status in the judicial system.

The paper discusses main methodological principles for initial and periodical training of judges, as well as special training of candidates for the position of judge, which are defined in the Concept of National Standards for Judicial Education, approved by NSJU as a special document.

According to the values which are declared in the document the main scope of judicial education is not only giving knowledge but also special skills development. It is the reason for implementing of interactive approaches to the learning process.

The institution aims to integrate digital innovations into judicial education. It is the digitization of judicial education that will allow NSJU to move to the identification of individual educational needs of the judge and the formation of personalized training programs.

Distance learning as a form of periodic training of judges plays a significant role in the development of judicial education. This form of training makes educational process flexible and dynamic, creates an opportunity for each listener, regardless of the level of court and judicial specialization, to work on the recommended personal schedule of the course.

The article also deals with the specialties of initial training of candidates for the position of judge which is conducted in accordance with European standards for the organization of judicial educational events.

In addition to law courses, the focus of initial training is also on issues of judicial ethics and integrity, anti-corruption legislation, psychological adaptation to judicial activity, judicial discipline, litigation management and alternative dispute resolution, international and European law. Interactive trainings and internships for candidates for the position of judge are aimed to expand and deepen legal knowledge, as well as to develop judicial skills and understanding the social context of justice.

It is declared in the article that NSJU has introduced the Judicial Education Assessment Methodology, which has become a criterion for the effectiveness of the School's activity as a judicial education institution and is an important element of improving of all components of the educational process.

Key words:National School of Judges of Ukraine, judicial education, methods of judicial education, training of judges, special training of candidates for the position of judge.

References

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NSJU Development Strategy for 2016-2020. URL: http://www.nsj.gov.ua/files/14676144821452070855%D0%A1%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%B3%D1% 96% D1% 8F_% D1% 80% D0% BE%

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