The aim of the conference is to create a platform for discussion on transnational standards in the area of courts management and regulating judiciary authority with respect to the universal right to fair trial. The international character of the event will ensure reliable conclusions and broad perspectives regarding possible courts management and organisation systems as well as their consequences.

During the discussion at the Congress of Polish Lawyers held in Katowice on 20 May 2017, it was pointed out that 'the priority of the judiciary in the 21st century democratic state based on the rule of law should be ensuring the full right to fair trial, as well as effective and swift proceedings. The judiciary in the 21st century should be citizen-friendly – simple and accessible. The mission of an independent judge in the 21st century should be administering justice through deciding and resolving disputes, with all due diligence regarding the rights of the citizens stipulated in the constitution and EU law. The proper reform of the judiciary in the 21st century requires opening a public debate on three basic issues: first - the organisation of the judiciary ensuring effective legal protection; second - the simplification of the procedures and establishing institutions working towards ensuring swift court proceedings; third - ensuring the independent and transparent judiciary as a prerequisite for independent rulings by individual judges'.

Recent processes relating to the tripartite system of the government as well as the role and organization of the justice system in both Poland and some other European Union countries are unprecedented in the history of the judiciary. In the first aspect it is necessary to discuss the model, guarantees and standards of the judge's office in the context of the evaluation of judges, their irremovability, and their accountability. The abovementioned matter is directly related to the issue of reorganization of courts in the sphere of their management, including the impact of such changes on the construction of the judge's office (e.g. the notion of non-transferability of judges). Discussion on the exercise of the right to access to justice and fair trial must also include the issues of the structure of the judicial system including internal structure of courts as well as the court management (funding of judiciary, court’s specialization, number of instances, and composition of courts). In this context, it is crucial to undertake a substantive debate on the issues that are essential to the functioning of the judiciary and the whole justice system and provide arguments, supported by both the theoretical knowledge and research, regarding actions which should be taken both at the level of member states and the EU as such.

To register, please visit the conference website. Admission is open until 25 November 2017. The event is organised under the honorary patronage of Prof. Wojciech Nowak, JU Rector.