The President of Uzbekistan recently signed a decree aimed at boosting the social security of the judiciary.

As stated in the document, ‘the experience of developed democracies and the critical analysis made during the past period of reforming the legal system in Uzbekistan suggest that without further enhancing the role and place of the judiciary in governance, strengthening their powers, independence and autonomy we cannot succeed in the political and economic renewal and modernization of the country’.

Therefore, starting from August 1, 2012, the judges of the Constitutional Court, courts of general jurisdiction and economic courts are exempt from income tax for individuals on income received by them in connection with their official duties.

In addition, the decree increased the size of the monthly premium to the official salaries of judges of the Constitutional Court, courts of general jurisdiction (except military courts), economic courts and their employees with a class rank, for special working conditions, as well as the level of wages on a uniform wage rate.

Within two months, the government of Uzbekistan shall adopt the procedure of providing the judges with long-term mortgages for home purchase on favorable terms, as well as a monthly payment of monetary compensation for the lease of premises.

In addition, there will be a program developed in consultation with the Supreme Court and the Supreme Economic Court of Uzbekistan to implement modern information and communication technologies in courts. Thus the courts will have special departments governing these issues.

The Supreme Court in conjunction with the Ministries of Justice and Finance of Uzbekistan, within one month, will study the workload of judges of the civil courts, the remoteness of the inter-district courts from their assigned areas and make suggestions to optimize the system of civil courts.

Also, within a month, the legislative chamber will prepare proposals for amendments to existing legislation providing for the mandatory training and retraining of persons newly appointed (elected) to the judges, respectively at the Center for Advanced Training of Lawyers under the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Court and the Supreme Economic Court of Uzbekistan.

The expenses associated with the implementation of this decree shall be funded from the national budget of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Development Fund of Courts and the Judiciary.

Ministry of Justice, within two months, shall present a draft resolution of the President of Uzbekistan on further improvement of legal education and the development of legal science, improving the quality of training to meet modern requirements, enhance lawmaking and law enforcement practices. (Source: Uzbekistan Today newspaper)