Podgorica, (MINA) – Reforms that would target the organization of court work, procedural rules and judicial accountability could bring the fastest results in terms of shorter duration of court proceedings and increased efficiency of courts, according to lawyer Veselin Radulovic.

 

In an interview with the MINA News Agency on the occasion of the recently presented Judicial Survey 2025, he said that it is primarily necessary to increase the number of judges, professional associates and administrative staff in the busiest courts.

 

Radulovic noted that judges cannot work effectively without adequate support in preparing cases, scheduling hearings and administrative processing of decisions.

 

“In addition to the personnel problem, poor technical and spatial conditions in some courts represent a significant challenge. Insufficient digitalization, outdated information systems, lack of courtrooms and inadequate infrastructure directly affect the work organization and the duration of proceedings”, stated Radulovic.

 

He remarked that complete digitization of case management and electronic communication between courts, lawyers and parties is necessary.

 

“As well as to improve the spatial capacities of courts and finally move from lip service to providing judges, but also parties in proceedings, with basic conditions that are mostly lacking now”, said Radulovic.

 

He said that it is important to amend procedural laws in order to limit the possibilities of abuse of procedural powers and unjustified delays.

 

“Also, it is necessary to introduce accountability mechanisms for inefficient work, as well as improve the evaluation systems and professional training of judges”, said Radulovic.

 

He said that it is also very important to strengthen alternative resolving disputes mechanisms, especially mediation, in order to relieve the court system.

 

According to the survey, public trust in the justice system stands at 55 percent, while lack of trust increased from 37 percent in 2020 to 43 percent last year.

 

“The main causes of longer proceedings are primarily judicial overload, the lack of professional staff and administrative support, but also bad legal solutions that enable frequent delays and abuse of procedural rights”, Radulovic believes.

 

He assessed that the survey serves as a serious warning for the functioning of the rule of law, stating that trust in the judiciary is one of the key foundations of a democratic system, as citizens must believe that courts reach decisions impartially, efficiently and equally for everyone.