Although the event organized by the Supreme Court at the LAMPA Conversation Festival was titled “Closed court session: entrance only for the youth”, the Themis tent was full of visitors. Schoolchildren, students, young adults and also listeners of older age took part in the administration of justice with great interest, as well as in conversations with the judges they looked for the answer to question why courts are needed and why it is important for the youth to learn about courts.

There may occur different life situations, and no one can be absolutely sure that they would never enter the courthouse. Oliver's troubles, which were acted out at the event, are potential life scenarios – signing a purchase contract without reading it and paying twice for the product, a fight at a school party and the remaining consequences ten years later – such as the prohibition to do the job of one’s dreams. While examining these cases, those present were convinced of the importance of facts and details in making court decisions and that a judge should put emotions aside when judging a court. Veronika Krūmiņa, the Chair of the Department of Administrative Cases of the Senate, and Andris Guļāns, the Honorary Judge and the former President of the Supreme Court, gave comments on these and similar situations and encouraged young people to always think about the consequences of their actions, to be prudent and knowledgeable.

The conversation proceeded with the joining of Evija Velvele and Atis Alens Kabals, students of the Cēsis State Gymnasium, and Estere Eglīte and Gustavs Rencis, students of the Friendly Appeal Cēsis State Gymnasium. The youth asked the senators about the position of a judge, challenges and satisfactions of this work.

At the conclusion, Evija acknowledged that she gained new knowledge about the position of a judge and also ascertained that it is important to know one’s rights. Atis Alens emphasized that a person has to know his/her rights and, if necessary, fight for them. Gustavs added that one should try to resolve disputes and conflicts through negotiations, but if this fails, it is important not to be afraid to go to court, even if it takes a long time, because the court is a place where everyone can receive state support in a way of fair dispute resolution. Whereas, Estere came to be convinced that Latvia has a future, and it will be a fair one.

The judges agreed with Estere’s opinion. Senator Veronika Krūmiņa expressed her joy for such inquisitive young people, which gives confidence that they will responsibly build a safe, legal and democratic future country. Andris Guļāns was also convinced that Latvia's future is in safe hands. He wished the young people to carefully evaluate what they want to achieve in life and go towards their goal. The Honorary Senator expressed the hope that someone of the young people present will become judges in future, which is a lifelong job for those who choose this needed position.

The Supreme Court expresses gratitude to participants of the event – to senators and Cēsis youth, as well as to the moderator of the conversation, law student Agris Ratniks. Thank you for your support to Cēsis State Gymnasium teacher Lauma Abramsone and Friendly Appeal Cēsis State Gymnasium teacher Ingūna Irbīte. Thank you for the creative thinking regarding the content of the event also to Senate’s advisors and senators, especially to Kristīne Zemīte and Jānis Pleps.

 

Information prepared by

Rasma Zvejniece, the Head of the Division of Communication of the Supreme Court

E-mail: rasma.zvejniece@at.gov.lv, telephone: +371 67020396, +371 286522