The initial training course for candidates for the positions of judge and prosecutor, launched at the National Institute of Justice

The National Institute of Justice marked today, October 21, 2024, the launch of the new training course for future judges and prosecutors. For 18 months, 30 trainees, of whom 12 candidates for the position of judge and 18 candidates for the position of prosecutor, will complete their studies, after which they will have the right to participate in the employment contests announced by the Superior Council of Magistracy and the Superior Council of Prosecutors.

The singing of the national anthem at the opening ceremony emphasized the official character of the event, which brought together the new contingent of audience and representatives of the partner institutions in the justice sector: the Ministry of Justice, the Superior Council of Magistrates, the Superior Council of Prosecutors, the Supreme Court of Justice, the General Prosecutor's Office. The solemn moment was followed by the speeches of the guests.

The acting director of the National Institute of Justice, Adrian Cerbu, reaffirmed the Institute's commitment to train new generations of judges and prosecutors capable of responding to current challenges and contributing to strengthening the rule of law. An important aspect mentioned was related to the rigors of the entrance exam, being among the factors that led, for the first time, to the non-filling of the total number of seats available for the audience.

"You are the first to go through a modified admissions process under the new legislative provisions to ensure the selection of the best candidates for the professions of judge and prosecutor. You have been evaluated by two separate commissions (in civil law and civil procedure, respectively, in criminal law and criminal procedure) and have gone through an additional integrity check by the relevant institutions. This complex exercise demonstrates the high ethical standards and excellence required of future judges and prosecutors", emphasized the Interim Director in his address to the audience.

Officials present at the event sent messages of congratulations and guidance. They highlighted the importance of initial training and adaptation to the new legal and social realities, as well as the need to maintain moral and professional requirements in the judicial system in the context of our country's European journey.

At the current admission session, 109 competitors (73 people for studies for the position of judge, and 36 – for studies for the position of prosecutor). They took, in front of the admission committees, the eliminative psychological test, the specialty test (grid test) and the oral test. For the first time, according to the amendments to Law no. 152 of 2006 regarding the National Institute of Justice, people who passed the first test had their wealth declarations checked by the National Integrity Authority, and the National Anti-Corruption Center and the Intelligence and Security Service provided information on their integrity.