22 lawyers apply for judge's seat

The qualification board of the Superior Magistracy Council will hold this week examinations to select candidates for judges and investigative judges from among 22 applicants. The written examination test and the oral test will be held on May 14 and May 15, respectively. Of the 22 contestants, 12 apply for a judge's seat in Chisinau. Yet a good mark at this stage will not automatically produce a judge. Those who will pass the examination will qualify for the next stage, where the applicants will be able to candidate for a vacant judge's seat during three years. Also on May 15, the Council will hold examinations to confirm the ranks of 15 judges (ranked II to IV). According to the legislation, tests to confirm a judge's rank are held once in three years. The judges who hold the highest rank are exempted from testing. Judges, including investigative magistrates, are appointed by the head of state at the recommendation of the Superior Magistracy Council, from among the selected candidates. First, judges are appointed for a 5-year term and upon its expiry, if successful, they may serve until they reach 65 years of age. The head of state may only once reject a candidate and only if there is incontestable proof of the candidate's incompatibility with the post. Justices of the Supreme Court are appointed by Parliament at the recommendation of the Council. Eligible applicants for a judge's seat are Moldovan citizens who reside permanently in the republic, hold a lawyer's degree and have years of relevant work experience, have a good reputation and are medically fit for the job. According to the Council, 440 judges are serving in Moldovan courts at present and 28 judge's seats are vacant.