The Anti-Corruption Court Law is effective

The Law “On the High Anti-Corruption Court” came into force.

The High Anti-Corruption Court is defined as a permanently acting higher specialized court in the system of Ukraine’s judiciary; it is located in Kyiv. The court’s jurisdiction is applicable to the entire territory of Ukraine. The court shall settle cases falling under its jurisdiction as the first- instance court and court of appeal.

The requirements to age and length of the service of a candidate to the anti-corruption judge position have been established along with additional special requirements. Restrictions for appointing a judge were specified as well. On top of that, the selection procedure is determined, having international experts (who may be Ukrainians also) to be involved therein. In particular, it was decided that upon the initiative of not fewer than 3 members of the Board of International Experts, the matter of the candidate’s suitability for the position of judge shall be considered at a special joint meeting of the High Qualification Commission of Judges and such Board.

When selecting the winners, candidates scored the same points, the length of service in the court, the academic degree, the total length of professional work in the area of law are all to be taken into account.

The candidate who, in addition to meeting the general requirements, has the knowledge and skills required for consideration of corruption cases, is entitled to apply for the position of an anti-corruption judge.

As to a member of the Board, he/she can be either, a citizen of Ukraine, as well as a foreigner, having high professional qualifications, public authority, at least 5 years experience in other countries in procedural administration or maintaining charges in the court under corruption cases. The composition is formed by international organizations, the Board shall include three foreigners at least.