On September 28, the Supreme Court was visited by lawyers from Germany, who are currently undergoing traineeship in first instance courts of Würzburg and have arrived to Latvia for an experience exchange visit as part of their study programme.

At the Supreme Court, the guests were welcomed by Rihards Gulbis, the Legal Research Counsel of the Department of Civil Cases. Rihards Gulbis introduced the foreign colleagues with the structure of the judicial system of Latvia, providing more detailed information about the Supreme Court, its activities, the work and tasks of the Departments and the Administration. The guests were also introduced to the Court Information System, the availability of court rulings and the possibilities of searching and applying the Senate's case-law findings. Rihards Gulbis pointed out the similarities and differences in legal systems of Latvia and Germany, as well as common and distinct aspects of the work of the Supreme Courts of both countries.

The young lawyers were especially interested in the requirements necessary to become a judge in courts of first instance, as well as in courts of appeal and in the Supreme Court. The procedure for the approval of judges in the office was also touched upon. The German colleagues were interested in whether court hearings can also take place remotely in Latvian courts; and the introduction of the electronic case management system was also discussed.

At the conclusion of the visit, the guests walked the corridors of the Palace of Justice and visited the Supreme Court Museum, gaining an insight into the history of the Supreme Court.

 

Information prepared by Iveta Jaudzema, International Cooperation Specialist of the Supreme Court
E-mail: iveta.jaudzema@at.gov.lv; telephone +371 67020396