Judges of the Supreme Court in September 2020
First row from the left: Arturs Freibergs, Vesma Kakste, Jautrite Briede, Veronika Krumina, Aigars Strupiss, Anita Polakova, Normunds Salenieks, Inara Garda, Zane Petersone; Second row: Andris Gulans, Anda Briede, Sandra Kaija, Inese Laura Zemite, Marika Senkane, Inguna Radzevica, Aija Branta, Rudite Vidusa, Anita Kovalevska, Lubova Kusnire, Diana Makarova, Livija Slica, Valerijs Maksimovs; Third row: Peteris Opincans, Ivars Bickovics, Anita Cernavska, Inta Lauka, Dzintra Balta, Ieva Viskere, Aivars Uminskis, Kaspars Balodis, Intars Bisters, Aivars Keiss
The judges or senators of the Senate ensure the basic function of the Senate – the hearing of civil, criminal and administrative cases at the highest instance.
The total number of Senate's senators is set by the Saeima, upon recommendation of the Council for the Judiciary, and the number of senators in departments is set by the Council for the Judiciary, upon proposal of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
As from 2017, the number of the senators approved by the Saeima is 36. The decision of the Council for the Judiciary stipulates that there shall be 16 senators in the Department of Civil Cases, 9 senators in the Department of Criminal Cases, and 10 senators in the Department of Administrative Cases.
Only Latvian citizens, reputable lawyers may work as judges. A person may become a judge of the Supreme Court after reaching the age of 40. The candidates for the judge’s office are selected in an open competition.
A candidate for the office of a judge of the Senate may be:
A Supreme Court judge is confirmed in the office by the Saeima, upon proposal of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, for an unlimited term.
If a person being already a judge approved by the Saeima in a lower court is nominated for the position of a judge of the Supreme Court, the decision shall be adopted by the Council for the Judiciary. If a person who is not a judge is nominated for the position of a Supreme Court judge, he/she shall be approved by the Saeima without setting a time limit for the term of office.
The maximum age for serving as a judge is 70 years.
The judge has the civil rights and freedoms defined in the Constitution and other laws of the Republic of Latvia, which the judge exercises so as not to hurt the respect and honour of the court and the judge, judicial impartiality and independence. judges may unite in organisations that safeguard their independence, promote development of their professional qualification, protect their rights and interests; however, the office of judge is incompatible with membership in political parties and political organisations. The judge is prohibited to go on strike.
Obligations of a judge