Judges and Lawyers Solve Problems at Bench-Bar

The objective of this Bench-Bar meeting was to identify issues related to the “Scheduling/calendar between judges and lawyers in criminal cases”. The discussion was mainly focused on problems in the scheduling of cases; however, other issues such as court decorum and ex parte communication were also mentioned. One of the participants stated that “The easiest solution to problems in the courts is for lawyers to respect the Code of Ethics and Judges to obey the law”.

Participants at the Bench-Bar meeting in Gjilan/Gnjilane

As a result of the Bench-Bar meeting the President of the DC in Gjilan/Gnjilane committed to provide the Regional Branch of the Kosovo Chamber of Advocates with a monthly schedule of trials, and also asked the lawyers to notify the President of the Court when postponement of a case occurred due to the judge being late.

Another positive result of the meeting was when all parties agreed to ensure that the monitors in the courthouse were kept up to date with the trial schedule.  

 The Kosovo Legal Profession Program (KLP) is implemented in partnership by USAID and the National Center for State Courts (NCSC).