Description
The project addresses the need for greater transparency in the selection of jurors given the public lack of trust towards the judiciary. The project aims at achieving greater transparency through the setting up of new standards for the selection of jurors. First, the institute of the juror will be studied through an empirical social study and a comparative legal analysis. The study will include in-depth interviews carried out with 70 of the stakeholders (jurors, magistrates, lawyers, municipal councilors). At least 3 countries will be studied in the comparative analysis and at least 5 good practices will be identified. Second, a transparent model and standards for the selection of jurors will be developed. Third, an advocacy campaign will be held for transparent and responsible appointment of jurors. The project will benefit jurors, magistrates, the judiciary in general, decision-makers and the public.
Summary of project results
The project was triggered by the permanent marginalization of the concept of jurors in Bulgaria. The situation questioned both civic participation and the efficiency of criminal proceedings and thus further undermined confidence in the judiciary which was already considered by the public as compromised. The project aimed at promoting the concept of jurors and prompting amendments to the current legislation on jurors to meet the real public needs. A broad range of analyses was used and a positive discourse environment was created among local and national politicians, magistrates, jurors, activists, representatives of ethnic minorities and journalists. These steps, together with the current law-making situation in Bulgaria, enabled the launching of major changes to the legislation regulating jurors. The foundations of uniform training of jurors were laid. The project outputs include: 4 analyses; a model and standards for the selection of jurors; a methodology for the training of jurors; 5 training sessions of jurors; 3 movies about the project were aired by some TV channels; a specialized online module was developed on the website of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). For more information, please visit:
http://www.nij.bg/Articles/Articles.aspx?lang=bg-BG&pageid=2220 and
https://www.facebook.com/sadebenzasedatel.
Summary of bilateral results