On reforms of economic judiciary in the light of new concepts

Abstract

The article examines the problems of reforming the judicial system, taking into account the «Concept of reforming the judicial system with the aim of improving access to justice», presented in July 2023 by the Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Positive expectations from the liquidation of commercial courts of first and second instance are denied. It is emphasized that the introduction of sections for consideration of economic disputes at local courts will lead to the degradation of judicial standards demonstrated by economic courts, including compliance with procedural terms.The possibility of solving the problem of excessive burden on local courts by increasing the burden on specialized judges, which will only lead to a decrease in the quality of justice in economic litigation, has been refuted. More reasonable measures to simplify court procedures and promote out-of-court resolution of legal conflicts, as well as to fill the numerous vacancies of local court judges, are justified.Solving the problems of the judiciary is connected with overcoming the shortcomings of the procedural codes and anti-corruption policy of the state, and not with the structuring of judicial bodies.The priority objects of judicial reform have been identified: restoration of public trust in the judicial branch of government, compliance with the deadlines for consideration of cases in the system of general and administrative courts, compliance with the principles of independence of judges from state bodies, proper financing of the court apparatus and decent remuneration for the work of assistant judges and secretaries, prevention of groundless lawsuits and self-limitation of state bodies in violating the rights of private individuals, prevention of abuse of state bodies in appealing court decisions, introduction of a mechanism for mass mediation, insufficient stimulation of alternative dispute resolution methods capable of reducing the number of court cases.It is proposed to use the experience of international commercial arbitration in the improvement of economic justice.