The Supreme Court of the Republic of Estonia celebrates 90th anniversary since its foundation, The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Ivars Bickovics and the Chair of the Constitutional Court Gunars Kutris also went to ceremonies.

The festive ceremony takes place today in University of Tartu, and representatives of System of Justice of Estonia, and also heads of Supreme and Constitutional Courts of other states are invited to it. Then the reception of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Estonia Mart Rask (Märt Rask) follows.

The history of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Estonia is similar to the history of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Latvia.

The Law of the Republic of Estonia “On Public Justice” was accepted on October 21, 1919, and first session of the Supreme Court took place on January 14, 1920, in the Town Hall in Tartu. This day is considered to be a beginning of activity of the court. In 1935 the Supreme Court was moved to Tallinn.

On December 31, 1940, the Soviet rule terminated the activity of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Estonia, judges received orders of dismissal. Several judges were arrested.

Passing the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia on June 28, 1992, was the ground for renewal of the national court system. The Estonian Supreme Court was renewed and its first session took place on May 27, 1993, at the same place as 73 years ago – in historical Town Hall of Tartu. At present the Supreme Court of Estonia is also located in Tartu.

The Supreme Court of Estonia is cassation instance, and it executes also function of the Constitutional Court. There work 19 judges in the Supreme Court.

 

 


Information prepared by

Head of the Division of Communications of the Supreme Court Rasma Zvejniece

E-mail: rasma.zvejniece@at.gov.lv, telephone: 67020396, 28652211