The procedure for qualification assessment of judges: problematic aspects of integrity evaluation

Qualification of judges is the cornerstone of judicial reform in Ukraine, which can guarantee the independence, integrity and professionalism of the judicial system. This article analyzes the legal framework that regulates this procedure. The article aims to reveal shortcomings in the mechanisms for assessing the integrity of judges, to monitor the international evidence of the qualification assessment of judges and to develop a number of relevant proposals to improve this evaluation. The investigation reveals such critical problems as subjectivity, potential political spillover and lack of thoroughness of criteria that support the objectivity of the assessment. On the basis of this, specific propositions are formed using more objective and insightful approaches to assessing judicial integrity. The article has carried out a comprehensive analysis of the methodology for assessing judges and candidates for appointment as judges, approved by the High Qualification Commission of Judges, identifying problems of legislative regulation and the presence of clear criteria of integrity. Particular attention is paid to the problematic aspects of qualification assessment in both broad (regulatory and legal regulation) and narrow (various assessment methods) contexts. Innovative approaches are being considered, including the potential use of blockchain and piece intelligence technology, to improve insight and efficiency of assessment. Respect is given to the role of the enormous scale of increased trust in the ship system and the need to adapt advanced international data, including the use of blockchain and artificial intelligence technologies. As a result, a recommendation is made to shorten the procedure for the qualification assessment of judges, with particular emphasis on the criterion of integrity. The prospect of this research is the continuation of the beginnings and the initiation of new discussions about the effectiveness of the existing mechanisms for assessing trials. The main recommendations presented by the statistics will be extremely useful for judges, legal authorities and large organizations that are actively working on justice reform in our country.