The procedures for selection and presentation of candidates are defined in the regulation of the High Council of Justice. The newly appointed judges make the vow before the judges of the organ where they are assigned to perform their task. The High Council of Justice appoints the court of appeal judges after they have been working for no less than five years in the courts of first instance and have manifested high ethical, moral and professional standards during the exercise of their duty. The High Council of Justice appoints the chairmen and deputy chairmen of the courts of first instance and of appeal from the ranks of their judges. The judges can remain in post up to the age of 65.
Judges enjoy immunity.
Judges of first instance and of appeal can be penally prosecuted only with the approval of the High Council of Justice. The judge can be detained or arrested only if caught committing the crime or immediately after having committed the crime. The competent organ notifies immediately the High Council of Justice. If the High Council of Justice does not give approval within 24 hours to send to court the arrested judge, the competent organ is obliged to release him. In the case when criminal proceedings are initiated with respect to a judge, he is suspended from post until a final decision is made.