Implementation of new Criminal Procedure Code - Support to the Rule of Law System in Serbia

The project aims at improving the capacity, effectiveness, efficiency and fairness of the Criminal Justice system of Serbia in prosecuting and adjudicating court cases under the new Criminal Procedure Code. The new code significantly changes the roles of all key actors in the criminal procedure, introducing a more adversarial model with, among other features, prosecutor lead investigation, stricter rules of evidence, broader plea agreements, direct and cross examination. Hence it will be necessary to provide a comprehensive and specialised training addressed to judges, prosecutors, defence lawyers and to a selected group of police officers, as well as to prepare a best practice guide concerning the new procedural law. Considering the impact that this Criminal justice reform will be producing on Serbian society (as well as on the approximation to EU standards)  it will be essential to schedule and carry out a careful monitoring activity on the implantation of the code. The project intervention will also have to improve effective protection of witnesses and victims, especially the vulnerable ones, introducing this component in the training and promoting other study and awareness actions.

Fields of expertise required:

• Technical assistance in the areas of justice and/or criminal procedure;

• Training of judges & prosecutors.