On Common Courts

Organic Law of Georgia

On Common Courts

Article 1. Judicial Power🔗

1. Judicial power is independent of the other branches of state power and is exercised only by the courts.

2. The administration of justice is one of the forms of exercising judicial power and is carried out by the common courts through civil, administrative and criminal proceedings.

3. This Law determines the system and organisation of the common courts of Georgia, the legal status of judges, the procedure for their selection, appointment (election) to and dismissal from office, the guarantees of the social and legal protection of judges, the rules of communication of participants in proceedings, interested persons, public servants, state servants, state-political officials and political officials with judges of the common courts of Georgia and their liability for violation of these rules, as well as the grounds for the disciplinary liability of judges of the common courts of Georgia, the types of disciplinary penalties, the procedure for disciplinary proceedings and the imposition of disciplinary liability on judges, and the procedure for hearing disciplinary cases in the common courts of Georgia and adopting decisions thereon.

Organic Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia of 21 July 2018 No. 3262 – website, 10,08,2018.

Article 1¹. Definition of terms🔗

1. The terms used in Chapter XII¹ of this Law have the following meaning:

a) communication with a judge – interaction in any form with a judge of a common court, including correspondence, conversation by telephone or other technical means;

b) participant in the proceedings – an employee of the prosecutor's office, an investigator, a lawyer, a representative, a party, a third party, as well as another person participating in the consideration of a criminal, civil or administrative case;

c) interested person – a person who is interested in the outcome of the case under consideration and for this purpose attempts to communicate with a judge, as well as any other person who, for the purpose of influencing the independence of a judge or of the judicial system in general, attempts improper communication with a judge;

d) public servant – a person defined by subparagraph „d“ of Article 3 of the Law of Georgia on Public Service;

e) state servant – a person defined by subparagraph „b“ of Article 3 of the Law of Georgia on Public Service;

f) state-political official/political official – a person defined by subparagraph „h“ of Article 3 of the Law of Georgia on Public Service/a person defined by subparagraph „i“ of Article 3 of the Law of Georgia on Public Service.

2. For the purposes of this Law, the terms used therein have the following meaning:

a) reasoned assumption – a body of facts or information which, according to the materials of the given disciplinary proceedings, would satisfy a neutral observer that a judge has possibly committed a disciplinary misconduct;

b) high degree of probability – a body of mutually compatible and convincing evidence which is sufficient for a high degree of probability that an appropriate penalty will be imposed in the given disciplinary case.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10,08,2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3796 of 30 November 2018 – website, 13.12.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 2. System of Common Courts of Georgia🔗

1. The common courts of Georgia are: the district (city) court, the court of appeal, the Supreme Court of Georgia.

2. The system of common courts of Georgia is unified.

2¹. Specialised courts may be established only within the system of common courts.

3. A military court may be established only within the system of common courts, during a state of war, for the consideration of criminal cases related to that state, by a decree of the President of Georgia. The same decree shall determine the composition, jurisdiction and the procedure for the consideration of cases by the military court. The said decree shall enter into force from the moment of its issuance.

4. The establishment of extraordinary courts is inadmissible.

Organic Law of Georgia of 21 July 2018 No. 3262 – website, 10,08,2018.

Article 3. Judicial protection of rights🔗

1. Every person has the right, for the protection of his/her rights and freedoms, to apply directly to a court in person or through a representative.

2. Every person shall be tried only by the court to whose jurisdiction his/her case is subject.

Article 4. Binding force of court judgments🔗

1. An act of a court, as well as a court's request and order for the exercise of its powers, shall be binding throughout the entire territory of Georgia for all natural and legal persons, and for state and municipal bodies.

2. Only a court may annul, amend or suspend a court judgment in the manner prescribed by law.

3. Failure to comply with a court judgment or obstruction of its execution entails the liability provided for by law.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10.08.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 6858 of 15 July 2020 – website, 28.07.2020.

Article 5. Delivery of a judgment in the name of Georgia🔗

A judgment of the common court of Georgia shall be delivered in the name of Georgia.

Article 6. Principles of justice and legal proceedings🔗

1. Justice shall be administered on the basis of the equality before the law and the court of all persons participating in the case, as well as in compliance with the principles of publicity, irremovability and independence of judges.

2. Legal proceedings shall be conducted on the basis of the equality and adversarial nature of the parties.

Article 7. Independence of a judge🔗

1. A judge is independent in his/her activity. A judge shall assess factual circumstances and take decisions only in accordance with the Constitution of Georgia, the universally recognised principles and norms of international law, and other laws, and on the basis of his/her inner conviction. No one shall have the right to demand an account from a judge or to indicate what decision he/she should take on a specific case.

2. The removal of a judge from the consideration of a case, his/her dismissal from office or transfer to another office shall be permissible only in the cases determined by this Law.

3. If, while considering a specific case in a general court, the court concludes that there are sufficient grounds for a particular law or other normative act, which the court must apply in deciding that case, to be considered wholly or partially inconsistent with the Constitution of Georgia, it shall suspend the consideration of the case and apply to the Constitutional Court of Georgia. The consideration of the case shall be resumed after the Constitutional Court of Georgia has decided that issue.

(The normative content of the second sentence of paragraph 3 of Article 7, which excludes the resumption, by a general court, of suspended proceedings in the case where the norm recognised as unconstitutional by a constitutional submission no longer constitutes a law applicable to the suspended case, was declared invalid) - Decision of the Constitutional Court of Georgia of 21 April 2022 No. 3/4/1648 – website, 29.04.2022.

4. If the court considering a case considers that a normative act whose review does not fall within the competence of the Constitutional Court of Georgia is inconsistent with the Constitution of Georgia, the court shall deliver a decision in accordance with the Constitution of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia of 8 February 2017 No. 255 - website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia of 21 July 2018 No. 3262 – website, 10.08.2018.

Decision of the Constitutional Court of Georgia of 21 April 2022 No. 3/4/1648 – website, 29.04.2022.

Article 8. Inadmissibility of interference in the activity of a court🔗

1. A state or municipal body, institution, public or political association, official, legal entity or natural person shall be prohibited from undermining the independence of a court in any form.

2. Any influence on a judge in any manner, on account of a decision already taken or with the aim of exerting influence on a decision to be taken in the future, is prohibited and shall be punishable by law.

Organic Law of Georgia of 15 July 2020 No. 6858 – website, 28.07.2020.

Organic Law of Georgia of 26 June 2025 No. 827 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 9. Liability for contempt of court🔗

Expression of disrespect toward a judge by the parties, by other persons participating in the case, as well as by any person, in any form (verbally, by indecent or other similar action) and in any situation (at a court hearing, in public space), which is related to the judge's status, entails the liability provided for by law.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025

Article 10. Language of proceedings🔗

Proceedings shall be conducted in the state language. A person who does not know the state language shall be provided with an interpreter. Interpreter services shall be paid from the State Budget of Georgia.

Article 11. Adoption of a judgment🔗

A judge shall make a judgment individually, while judges shall do so collegially. A collegial panel of a court shall issue a judgment by majority vote. No judge shall have the right to abstain from voting.

Article 12. (Removed)🔗

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4952 of 24 June 2011 – website, 06.07.2011

Article 13. Publicity of the examination of a case🔗

1. All cases in court shall be examined at an open hearing.

2. Examination of a case at a closed hearing shall be permissible only in the cases provided by law.

3. A court judgment shall in all cases be pronounced publicly.

3¹. The full text of a court act adopted by a court as a result of an open court hearing shall, upon entry into legal force of the court's final judgment in the relevant case, become public information and shall be issued in accordance with the procedure established by the General Administrative Code of Georgia for the issuance of public information. No one shall have the right to publish the text of this act publicly without its depersonalization. At the same time, the depersonalized text of the said court act shall, after entry into legal force of the court's final judgment in the relevant case, be published on the website determined by the High Council of Justice of Georgia or by the court. For the purposes of this paragraph, a court act is any judgment delivered by a common court of Georgia, including a judgment by which the case is not decided on the merits. For the purposes of this same paragraph, depersonalization of the text of a court act means the full depersonalization of the following information indicated therein:

a) the identity, name, date of birth, personal number, identification number, number of the identity document of a person, the names of the place of work and of the position held;

b) the addresses of the place of registration, location, place of residence and place of work of a person;

c) the telephone number and e-mail address of a person;

d) other type of information determined by the High Council of Justice of Georgia that relates to personal data. The information provided by this subparagraph shall, if necessary, be determined by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

4. (Removed – 6 March 2013, No. 260).

5. Photo-, cine-, video-recording of the examination of a case in court, as well as in the courtroom, shall be carried out in accordance with the procedure established by this Law.

Organic Law of Georgia of 6 March 2013 No. 260 – website, 20.03.2013.

Organic Law of Georgia of 1 May 2013 No. 580 – website, 20.05.2013.

Organic Law of Georgia of 8 February 2017 No. 255 – website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia of 13 June 2023 No. 3129 – website, 27.06.2023.

Organic Law of Georgia of 29 May 2024 No. 4218 – website, 12.06.2024.

Organic Law of Georgia of 26 June 2025 No. 827 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 13¹. Coverage of a court hearing by the mass media🔗

1. The court shall ensure audio and video recording of the court proceedings. The court shall, upon request, ensure access to the audio and video recording for the parties. If the court has issued a ruling on the partial or full closure of the court hearing, the parties shall be obliged to sign a written undertaking not to disclose the audio and video recording.

2.

Photo, film, video recording, broadcasting and audio recording in court (in the court building, in the courtroom, in the court yard) shall be inadmissible, except when it is carried out by the court or a person authorised by the court. The court may disseminate the materials of photo, film, video recording and audio recording of the court proceedings in its possession, if this does not contradict the law. Photo, film, video recording and audio recording in court, as well as broadcasting, may be permitted only in relation to each specific court hearing by a relevant decision adopted by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

3. (Removed – 26.06.2025, No. 827).

4. (Removed – 26.06.2025, No. 827).

5. (Removed – 26.06.2025, No. 827).

6. (Removed – 26.06.2025, No. 827).

7. (Removed – 26.06.2025, No. 827).

Organic Law of Georgia of 6 March 2013 No. 260 – website, 20.03.2013.

Organic Law of Georgia of 1 May 2013 No. 580 – website, 20.05.2013.

Organic Law of Georgia of 12 June 2015 No. 3696 – website, 15.06.2015.

Organic Law of Georgia of 26 June 2025 No. 827 – website, 27.06.2025.

Organic Law of Georgia of 2 July 2025 No. 921 – website, 02.07.2025.

Article 13². Court mediation programme🔗

1. A district (city) court and an appellate court shall be obliged, on the basis of the Law of Georgia "On Mediation", to implement the measures provided for by the court mediation programme in the respective court and other measures necessary for the development of mediation.

2. Court mediation programmes shall be approved by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

3. The court mediation programme shall determine the standards of communication between the court and the Association of Mediators of Georgia, the procedural aspect of conducting court mediation, as well as other issues necessary for the proper functioning of court mediation which are not regulated by the Law of Georgia "On Mediation".

Organic Law of Georgia of 18 September 2019 No. 4963 – website, 27.09.2019.

Article 14. Supreme Court of Georgia🔗

1. The Supreme Court of Georgia (hereinafter – the Supreme Court) is the court of cassation of the highest and final instance for the administration of justice throughout the entire territory of Georgia.

2. The Supreme Court, in the established procedural form, supervises the administration of justice in the common courts of Georgia and exercises other powers provided for by paragraph 2 of Article 88 and paragraph 1 of Article 90 of the Constitution of Georgia and by this Law.

3. The Supreme Court consists of 28 judges.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1489 of 1 November 2013 – website, 13.11.2013

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10,08,2018

Article 15. Structure of the Supreme Court🔗

1. (removed – 08.02.2017, No. 255).

2. The following shall be established within the Supreme Court:

a) Civil Cases Chamber;

b) Administrative Cases Chamber;

c) Criminal Cases Chamber;

d) Grand Chamber;

e) Plenum;

f) Disciplinary Chamber;

g) Qualification Chamber.

3. Within the Supreme Court, by a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, a narrower specialisation of judges may be implemented.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2647 of 1 August 2014 – website, 18.08.2014

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025

Article 16. Chamber of the Supreme Court🔗

1. A Chamber of the Supreme Court (except for the Disciplinary Chamber and the Qualification Chamber) is a court of cassation instance which, in accordance with the procedure established by the procedural law of Georgia, considers cassation appeals against judgments of the courts of appeal, and also, in the cases determined by law and in the established manner, considers other cases falling within its jurisdiction.

2. A Chamber of the Supreme Court (except for the Grand Chamber) considers a case with a composition of 3 judges.

3. The court considering a case by way of cassation may, by a reasoned ruling, refer the case to the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court for consideration if:

a) the case, by its content, presents a rare legal problem;

b) the cassation chamber does not share the legal assessment (interpretation of a norm) previously formulated by another cassation chamber;

c) (removed).

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3620 of 24 September 2010 – LHG I, No. 52, 30.09.2010, Art. 334

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3959 of 10 December 2010 – LHG I, No. 73, 23.12.2010, Art. 439

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2647 of 1 August 2014 – website, 18.08.2014

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1324 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18.12.2025

Article 17. Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court🔗

1. The Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court is a court of cassation instance which, in accordance with the procedure established by the procedural legislation of Georgia, considers cases of a particularly complex category as defined by paragraph 3 of Article 16 and paragraph 5 of Article 17 of this Law.

2. The Grand Chamber consists of the Chairperson of the Supreme Court, the chairpersons of other chambers and not fewer than 12 judges elected by the Plenum from among the composition of the chambers of the Supreme Court for a term of 3 years.

3. The Grand Chamber considers a case with a composition of 9 judges. The composition considering the case includes the judges who initially considered the case, regardless of whether they are at the same time members of the Grand Chamber.

4. The consideration of a case in the Grand Chamber is chaired by the Chairperson of the Supreme Court or, on his/her assignment, by the chairperson of one of the chambers of the Supreme Court.

5. The legal assessment (interpretation of a norm) of the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court is binding on the common courts of all instances. The court considering a case by cassation procedure shall, by a reasoned ruling, refer the case to the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court for consideration if the cassation chamber does not share the legal assessment (interpretation of a norm) previously formulated by the Grand Chamber.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3959 of 10 December 2010 – LHG I, No. 73, 23.12.2010, Art. 439

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025

Article 18. Plenum of the Supreme Court🔗

1. The Plenum of the Supreme Court shall consist of the Chairperson of the Supreme Court, their first deputy and deputies, members of the Supreme Court and chairpersons of the courts of appeal.

2. The Plenum shall be entitled to:

a) elect, upon the nomination of the Chairperson of the Supreme Court, the composition of the Grand Chamber;

b) elect, upon the nomination of a member of the Plenum of the Supreme Court, the compositions and chairpersons of the chambers of the Supreme Court;

b¹) (deleted – 08.02.2017, No. 255);

c) appoint 3 members of the Constitutional Court of Georgia;

d) in accordance with subparagraph „a“ of paragraph 1 of Article 89 of the Constitution of Georgia, submit to the Constitutional Court of Georgia, in connection with the consideration of a specific case and the generalisation of court practice, a submission on the compliance of a normative act with the Constitution of Georgia;

e) (deleted – 01.11.2013, No. 1489);

f) submit to the President of Georgia or the Government of Georgia a recommendation on the conclusion of international treaties on matters within the competence of the Supreme Court;

g) hear and assess information from the chairpersons of the chambers of the Supreme Court and reports of the heads of the structural subdivisions of the apparatus of the Supreme Court, and consider proposals related to the improvement of their activities;

h) establish the official printed organ of the Supreme Court and, upon the nomination of the Chairperson of the Supreme Court, appoint its editor and editorial board;

i) establish the scientific-advisory council of the Supreme Court and approve its statute, composition and academic secretary;

j) within the funding allocated to the Supreme Court by the State Budget of Georgia, determine the amount of the monthly supplement to the official salary of a member of the Supreme Court;

k) upon the nomination of the Chairperson of the Supreme Court, approve the regulations of the apparatus of the Supreme Court and the rates of official salaries of civil servants and other employees;

k¹) upon the nomination of the Chairperson of the Supreme Court, approve the rules for completing an internship at the Supreme Court and the rules for the assessment of public servants of the apparatus of the Supreme Court;

l) prepare and publish an annual report on the state of justice in Georgia;

m) exercise other powers arising from the constitutional functions of the judiciary and provided for by the legislation of Georgia.

3. (deleted – 17.12.2025, No. 1252).

4. The Plenum shall be entitled to consider a matter if at least two thirds of the members of the Plenum attend its session. A decision shall be deemed adopted if it is supported by at least two thirds of the participants of the session.

5. The Plenum shall be convened as necessary, but not less than once a year. A session of the Plenum shall be scheduled by the Chairperson of the Supreme Court on their own initiative or at the request of at least one fifth of the members of the Plenum.

6. Relevant specialists and other persons may be invited to a session of the Plenum.

7. A session of the Plenum of the Supreme Court shall, as a rule, be public.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5529 of 20 December 2011 – website, 28.12.2011.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5920 of 27 March 2012 – website, 19.04.2012.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1489 of 1 November 2013 – website, 13.11.2013.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2647 of 1 August 2014 – website, 18.08.2014.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1252 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18.12.2025.

Article 19. Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court🔗

1. The Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court shall be elected by the Plenum of the Supreme Court with 3 members for a term of 5 years. For the election of the members of the Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court, their candidacies, including the candidacy of the Chairperson of the Disciplinary Chamber, shall be submitted to the Plenum of the Supreme Court by a member of the Plenum from among the members of the Supreme Court. A judge of the Supreme Court who is at the same time a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia may not be a member of the Disciplinary Chamber.

2. (Deleted – 08.02.2017, No. 255).

3. If the Plenum of the Supreme Court has twice in succession failed to elect as a member of the Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court a candidacy for member of the Disciplinary Chamber submitted by a member of the Plenum of the Supreme Court, the Chairperson of the Supreme Court shall have the right, before his or her election, for a period of not more than 6 months, to appoint, from among the members of the Supreme Court, an acting member of the Disciplinary Chamber.

4. The Chairperson of the Supreme Court shall be entitled to recuse from the examination of a case in the Disciplinary Chamber, for the duration of the examination of a specific complaint, a member of the Chamber who, in connection with that complaint, has a ground for recusal provided for by the procedural legislation of Georgia. In such a case, the Chairperson of the Supreme Court shall appoint, from among the members of the Supreme Court, an acting member of the Disciplinary Chamber.

5. A member of the Disciplinary Chamber shall fully exercise the powers of a judge of the Supreme Court.

6. The Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court shall, in accordance with the procedure established by Chapter XIII¹ of this Law, examine a complaint against a decision of the Disciplinary Collegium of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia; in accordance with the procedure established by Chapter XIII¹ of this Law and the Law of Georgia on Advocates – against a decision of the Ethics Commission of the Georgian Bar Association; and in accordance with the procedure established by Chapter XIII¹ of this Law and the Law of Georgia on Mediation – against a decision of the Ethics Commission of the Georgian Mediators Association.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2267 of 4 May 2018 – website, 21.05.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1160 of 9 December 2025 – website, 12.12.2025.

Article 19¹. Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court🔗

1. The Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court shall, in the cases provided for by this Law and in accordance with the established procedure, consider a complaint against an order/decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia adopted in the process of appointing a judge of a district (city) or appellate court to the position for a term of 3 years or for life, a complaint against an order/submission of the High Council of Justice of Georgia adopted in the process of selecting candidates to be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court, and against a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia on the secondment of a judge to another court.

2. The Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court, composed of 3 members, shall be elected by the plenum of the Supreme Court for a term of 5 years. A judge of the Supreme Court who is at the same time a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia may not be a member of the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court.

3. Candidates for members of the Qualification Chamber (including the candidacy for the chairperson of the Qualification Chamber) shall be submitted to the plenum of the Supreme Court for election from among the members of the Supreme Court by any member of the plenum. If the plenum of the Supreme Court fails twice to elect the submitted candidacy, the Chairperson of the Supreme Court shall have the right, until a member of the Qualification Chamber is elected, for a period of not more than 6 months, to appoint from among the members of the Supreme Court an acting member of the Qualification Chamber.

4. A member of the Qualification Chamber shall be released from office by the Chairperson of the Supreme Court with the consent of the plenum of the Supreme Court.

5. A member of the Qualification Chamber shall be obliged to recuse himself or herself from the consideration of a case for the duration of the consideration of a specific complaint if he or she has, in connection with that complaint, a ground for recusal provided for by the procedural legislation of Georgia. In this case, the Chairperson of the Supreme Court shall, for the duration of the consideration of the said complaint, appoint from among the members of the Supreme Court an acting member of the Qualification Chamber.

6. A member of the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court shall fully exercise the powers of a judge of the Supreme Court.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2647 of 1 August 2014 – website, 18.08.2014

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3129 of 13 June 2023 – website, 27.06.2023

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025

Article 20. Chairpersons of the Chambers of the Supreme Court🔗

1. The Chambers of the Supreme Court have chairpersons. The Plenum of the Supreme Court elects the Chairperson of a Chamber (except for the Chairpersons of the Disciplinary and Qualification Chambers) from the membership of that Chamber for a term of 10 years. The Plenum of the Supreme Court elects the Chairpersons of the Disciplinary and Qualification Chambers from the membership of those Chambers for a term of 5 years in accordance with the procedure established by Articles 19 and 19¹ of this Law. On the basis of a decision of the Plenum of the Supreme Court, the powers of the Chairperson of a Chamber (except for the Chairpersons of the Disciplinary and Qualification Chambers) may be exercised by the Chairperson of the Supreme Court.

2. The Chairpersons of the Chambers of the Supreme Court (except for the Chairpersons of the Disciplinary and Qualification Chambers) are simultaneously Deputies of the Chairperson of the Supreme Court.

3. The First Deputy of the Chairperson of the Supreme Court is elected by the Plenum of the Supreme Court from among the Chairpersons of the Chambers of the Supreme Court (except for the Chairpersons of the Disciplinary and Qualification Chambers).

Organic Law of Georgia of 1 August 2014 No. 2647 – website, 18.08.2014.

Organic Law of Georgia of 8 February 2017 No. 255 – website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia of 26 June 2025 No. 827 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 21. Chairperson of the Supreme Court🔗

1. The Chairperson of the Supreme Court:

a) provides general management and organization of the work of the Supreme Court;

b) may be the Chairperson of one of the chambers; chairs the sessions of the Plenum and the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court, and, if necessary, chairs the sessions of the chambers of the Supreme Court;

c) (removed - 1 May 2013, No. 580);

d) in connection with general issues of the state of justice in Georgia, on behalf of the judicial power exercising justice, maintains relations with other branches of state power, the media and the population;

e) manages the work of the apparatus of the Supreme Court;

f) adopts decisions on the appointment (recruitment) to positions and dismissal (discharge) from positions of public servants of the apparatus of the Supreme Court;

g) designates a judge with the relevant authority who issues an order on conducting operational-technical measures provided for by the Law of Georgia "On Counter-Intelligence Activities";

h) exercises the powers provided for by Chapter XIII¹ of this Law;

i) (removed - 21 July 2018, No. 3262);

j) exercises other powers provided for by the legislation of Georgia.

1¹. The Parliament of Georgia elects the Chairperson of the Supreme Court from among the members of the Supreme Court, upon the recommendation of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, for a term of 10 years, but not exceeding his/her term of office as a judge of the Supreme Court, by a majority of the full composition. The re-election of the same person as Chairperson of the Supreme Court is inadmissible. At least one fifth of the full composition of the High Council of Justice of Georgia has the right to nominate a candidate for Chairperson of the Supreme Court. Candidates are voted on together. The candidate who receives the votes of at least two thirds of the full composition of the High Council of Justice of Georgia is considered nominated. If none of the candidates receives the specified number of votes, a vote is held on the candidate with the best result (in the case of candidates receiving an equal number of votes, preference is given to the candidate who has longer experience of working in the specialty). A candidate is considered nominated if he/she receives the votes of the majority of the full composition of the High Council of Justice of Georgia. If the High Council of Justice of Georgia fails to nominate a candidate for Chairperson of the Supreme Court, the procedure for nominating a candidate shall be restarted no earlier than 2 weeks after the last vote. The nomination to the Parliament of Georgia, for election as Chairperson of the Supreme Court, of a candidate who, as a result of a vote, failed to receive the required number of votes of the members of the Parliament of Georgia may be made only twice within the term of office of one convocation of Parliament.

2. In the temporary absence of the Chairperson of the Supreme Court, his/her powers shall be exercised by the First Deputy Chairperson. In the temporary absence of the Chairperson of the Supreme Court and his/her First Deputy, the powers of the Chairperson shall be exercised, by his/her own order, by one of the Deputy Chairpersons.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 580 of 1 May 2013 – website, 20.05.2013

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4389 of 27 October 2015 – website, 11.11.2015

Organic Law of Georgia No. 169 of 21 December 2016 – website, 28.12.2016

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10.08.2018

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3129 of 13 June 2023 – website, 27.06.2023

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025

Article 22. Court of Appeal🔗

The Court of Appeal is established and its area of operation is determined by a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

Article 23. Composition of the Court of Appeal🔗

1. The number of judges of the Court of Appeal shall be determined by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

2. The following shall be established within the Court of Appeal:

a) Civil Cases Chamber;

b) Administrative Cases Chamber;

c) Criminal Cases Chamber;

d) Investigative Collegium.

2¹. In the Court of Appeal, by decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, a narrower specialisation of judges may be implemented or, in addition to the structural units provided for by paragraph 2 of this Article, other specialised structural unit(s) (one or several chambers/collegiums) may be additionally established.

3. The number of judges in the chambers and the investigative collegium of the Court of Appeal and their composition shall be determined by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

4. In case of necessity, in order to prevent an obstruction to the administration of justice, the Chairperson of the Court of Appeal may, in accordance with the rule for the automatic distribution of cases in the common courts of Georgia by means of an electronic system, assign to a judge selected thereby, with his/her consent, participation in the consideration of a case in another chamber or the investigative collegium of the same court.

5. Each chamber and the investigative collegium of the Court of Appeal shall have chairpersons. The chairpersons of the chambers and of the investigative collegium of the Court of Appeal shall be appointed to office for a term of 10 years by the High Council of Justice of Georgia from among the composition of the respective chamber and collegium. A judge appointed to office for a term of 3 years shall be appointed as a chairperson of a chamber of the Court of Appeal or as a chairperson of the investigative collegium within the term of his/her authority.

6. The Court of Appeal shall have a chairperson and 2 deputy chairpersons, who shall be appointed to office for a term of 10 years by the High Council of Justice of Georgia from among the judges of the Court of Appeal by a reasoned decision. A judge appointed to office for a term of 3 years shall be appointed as the chairperson of the Court of Appeal or as a deputy chairperson within the term of his/her authority. One of the deputy chairpersons of the Court of Appeal may be appointed by the High Council of Justice of Georgia as the first deputy chairperson of the Court of Appeal for the term of his/her authority as a deputy chairperson.

7. Before the appointment of the chairperson of the Court of Appeal, the first deputy chairperson of the Court of Appeal, the deputy chairperson of the Court of Appeal, the chairperson of a chamber or of the investigative collegium, by decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, the exercise of his/her authority may be assigned to one of the judges of the same court. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be entitled to terminate the said authority assigned to a judge.

8. The grounds for termination of the authority of the chairperson of the Court of Appeal, the first deputy chairperson of the Court of Appeal, the deputy chairperson of the Court of Appeal, the chairperson of a chamber of the Court of Appeal or the chairperson of the investigative collegium are:

a) personal application;

b) termination of the powers of a judge of the Court of Appeal;

c) dismissal from office of the Chairperson of the Court of Appeal, the First Deputy Chairperson/Deputy Chairperson of the Court of Appeal, the Chairperson of a Chamber of the Court of Appeal or the Chairperson of the Investigative Collegium, in the form of a disciplinary measure;

d) expiry of the term of office of the Chairperson of the Court of Appeal, the First Deputy Chairperson/Deputy Chairperson of the Court of Appeal, the Chairperson of a Chamber of the Court of Appeal or the Chairperson of the Investigative Collegium.

9. Where any of the grounds provided for by paragraph 8 of this Article exists (except for the case provided for by subparagraph „c“ of the same paragraph), the termination of the powers of the Chairperson of the Court of Appeal, the First Deputy Chairperson of the Court of Appeal, the Deputy Chairperson of the Court of Appeal, the Chairperson of a Chamber of the Court of Appeal or the Chairperson of the Investigative Collegium shall be formalised by a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

10. In the case provided for by subparagraph „c“ of paragraph 8 of this Article, the Chairperson of the Court of Appeal, the Deputy Chairperson of the Court of Appeal, the Chairperson of a Chamber of the Court of Appeal or the Chairperson of the Investigative Collegium shall be released from office in accordance with Chapter XIII¹ of this Law.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1489 of 1 November 2013 – website, 13.11.2013

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2034 of 7 March 2018 – website, 29.03.2018

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1252 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18.12.2025

Article 24. Powers of the Court of Appeal🔗

1. The Court of Appeal shall, in accordance with the procedure established by procedural law, consider appeals against judgments of district (city) courts in a collegial composition of 3 judges. For certain categories of cases, the unilateral consideration of appeals may be established in accordance with the procedure established by procedural law.

2. The Court of Appeal shall also exercise the powers provided for by the Law of Georgia on Arbitration.

3. A judge of the Investigative Collegium of the Court of Appeal shall consider complaints unilaterally in the cases provided for by the criminal procedure legislation.

Article 25. Powers of the Chairperson of the Court of Appeal🔗

1. The Chairperson of the Court of Appeal:

a) considers cases;

b) supervises the work of the court apparatus, in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia adopts decisions on the appointment (recruitment) to and dismissal (removal from service) from the position of the court manager, the head of the court bailiff service, the court bailiff, the judge's assistant and the court hearing secretary; imposes on the court manager and other public servants of the court apparatus the disciplinary liability measures defined by the Law of Georgia “On Public Service”;

c) (removed - 17.12.2025, No. 1252);

d) (removed - 17.12.2025, No. 1252);

e) organises the work of the court;

f) ensures the maintenance of order in the court, is entitled, in order to ensure the safety of the court hearing, to establish the checking of the participants of the proceedings and of the persons attending before the commencement of the hearing and the prohibition of bringing individual items into the court building or the hearing hall; is also entitled, based on the area of the hall, to limit the number of persons attending the court hearing;

g) in the event of a violation of order in the court, expression of disrespect towards the court or obstruction of the normal functioning of the court, is entitled to apply against the violator of order the measures established by the procedural legislation of Georgia. The procedure for the adoption by the chairperson of the court of an order on the said issue and for appealing it shall be determined by the procedural legislation of Georgia;

h) exercises other powers provided for by the legislation of Georgia.

2. In the temporary absence of the Chairperson of the Court of Appeal, his/her powers shall be exercised by the First Deputy Chairperson of the Court of Appeal, and in the absence of the First Deputy Chairperson of the Court of Appeal − by the Deputy Chairperson of the Court of Appeal. In the absence of the Chairperson of the Court of Appeal, his/her First Deputy or Deputy, the powers of the Chairperson of the Court of Appeal shall be exercised by the chairperson of one of the chambers or of the investigative collegium of the Court of Appeal, upon the assignment of the Chairperson of the Court of Appeal.

3. The Chairperson of the Court of Appeal is at the same time a member of one of the chambers/investigative collegium of the court and may be the chairperson of one of the chambers/investigative collegium of the court.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3523 of 2¹ July 2010 - LHG I, No. 46, 04.08.2010, Art. 286

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4389 of 27 October 2015 - website, 11.11.2015

Organic Law of Georgia No. 169 of 21 December 2016 - website, 28.12.2016

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 - website, 13.02.2017

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1050 of 16 June 2017 - website, 22.06.2017

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2034 of 7 March 2018 - website, 29.03.2018

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1252 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18.12.2025.

Article 26. Powers of the First Deputy Chairperson/Deputy Chairperson of the Court of Appeals🔗

1. The First Deputy Chairperson of the Court of Appeals:

a) participates in the consideration of cases;

b) on the instruction of the Chairperson of the Court of Appeals, supervises the work of the court apparatus and submits to the Chairperson of the court proposals on the imposition of disciplinary liability on civil servants of the court apparatus for gross violation of the internal labour regulations or for the commission of other disciplinary misconduct;

c) on the instruction of the Chairperson of the Court of Appeals, carries out the relevant measures for the purpose of the organizational support of the administration of justice;

d) in the cases provided for by this Law, exercises the powers of the Chairperson of the Court of Appeals;

e) exercises other powers provided for by the legislation of Georgia.

2. The Deputy Chairperson of the Court of Appeals:

a) participates in the consideration of cases;

b) in the cases provided for by this Law, exercises the powers of the Chairperson of the Court of Appeals/the First Deputy Chairperson of the Chairperson;

c) on the instruction of the Chairperson of the Court of Appeals, carries out the relevant measures for the purpose of the organizational support of the administration of justice;

d) exercises other powers provided for by the legislation of Georgia.

3. During the temporary absence of the First Deputy Chairperson of the Court of Appeals, his/her powers shall be exercised by the Deputy Chairperson of the Court of Appeals, and in the absence of the Deputy Chairperson of the Court of Appeals − by the chairperson of one of the chambers or of the investigative collegium of the Court of Appeals, on the instruction of the Chairperson of the Court of Appeals.

4. The First Deputy Chairperson/Deputy Chairperson of the Court of Appeals is simultaneously a member of one of the chambers/investigative collegium of the court and may be the chairperson of one of the chambers/investigative collegium of the court.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 - website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2034 of 7 March 2018 - website, 29.03.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1252 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18.12.2025.

Article 27. Establishment of the District (City) Court🔗

1. The District (City) Court shall be established and its area of operation shall be determined by a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

2. The District Court shall be established in a municipality (municipalities).

3. The City Court shall be established in a self-governing city. The area of operation of the City Court, together with the self-governing city, may also include a municipality (municipalities).

Article 28. Number of judges in a district (city) court🔗

1. A district (city) court shall consist of at least 2 judges.

2. The number of judges of a district (city) court shall be determined by the High Council of Justice of Georgia in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia.

3. Magistrate judges may be included in the composition of a district (city) court. A judge of a district (city) court who exercises his/her powers in an administrative-territorial unit existing within the territorial jurisdiction of the district (city) court shall be called a magistrate judge. The territorial jurisdiction and number of magistrate judges shall be determined by a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia. The composition of magistrate judges in a district (city) court shall be determined by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

Article 29. Consideration of cases in a district (city) court🔗

1. A district (city) court is a court of first instance which considers a case assigned to its jurisdiction in accordance with the procedure established by the procedural legislation of Georgia, individually or, in a case provided for by law, collegially, in a composition of 3 judges.

2. A magistrate judge shall consider a case individually, unless otherwise provided by law.

Article 30. Specialization of judges🔗

1. In a district (city) court where there are two judges, one hears criminal cases, and the other – civil and other categories of cases, except for the cases established by the procedural legislation of Georgia. Specialization of judges shall be carried out on the basis of a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

2. In a district (city) court with particularly intensive case proceedings, where there are more than two judges, by decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia a narrower specialization of judges may be carried out or specialized court collegiums (hereinafter – court collegiums) may be established.

3. The number of judges in court collegiums shall be determined and the composition of court collegiums shall be defined by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

4. A court collegium has a chairperson, who shall be appointed to the position for a term of 10 years from the composition of this collegium by the High Council of Justice of Georgia. A judge appointed to the position for a term of 3 years shall be appointed as chairperson of a court collegium within the term of his/her authority.

5. In case of necessity, in order to prevent obstruction of the administration of justice, the chairperson of the court may, in accordance with the rule of automatic distribution of cases in the common courts of Georgia by means of an electronic system, assign to a selected judge, with his/her consent, the hearing of a case in another specialized composition (court collegium) of the same court, as well as the exercise of the powers of a magistrate judge, and may assign to a magistrate judge the hearing of a case outside his/her area of operation, in a district (city) court.

Organic Law of Georgia of 1 November 2013 No. 1489 – website, 13.11.2013.

Organic Law of Georgia of 8 February 2017 No. 255 – website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia of 26 June 2025 No. 827 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 31. Jurisdiction of a district (city) court🔗

The jurisdiction of a district (city) court, as well as the jurisdiction of a magistrate judge, shall be determined by law.

Article 32. Chairperson of the District (City) Court🔗

1. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall, by a reasoned decision, appoint the chairperson of a district (city) court for a term of 10 years from among the judges of the respective court, and the chairperson of a court in which court collegiums have been established — from among them, including the chairpersons of the court collegiums. A judge appointed to a position for a term of 3 years shall be appointed as chairperson of a district (city) court within the term of his/her powers.

2. The chairperson of a district (city) court:

a) hears cases;

b) supervises the work of the court apparatus, in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia adopts decisions on the appointment (recruitment) to and dismissal (removal from service) from the positions of the court manager, the head of the court bailiff service, the court bailiff, the judge's assistant and the secretary of the court hearing; imposes on the court manager and other public servants of the court apparatus the disciplinary liability measures defined by the Law of Georgia on Public Service;

c) organises the work of the court;

d) (deleted — 17 December 2025, No. 1252);

d¹) (deleted — 17 December 2025, No. 1252);

e) (deleted);

f) ensures the maintenance of order in the court; is entitled, in order to ensure the safety of a court hearing, to establish, before the commencement of the hearing, the screening of the participants in the proceedings and of the persons attending the hearing and the prohibition of bringing individual items into the court building or the courtroom; is entitled, based on the area of the said hall, to limit the number of persons attending the court hearing;

g) in the event of a violation of order in the court, an expression of disrespect towards the court or obstruction of the normal functioning of the court, is entitled to apply to the violator of order the measures established by the procedural legislation of Georgia. The procedure for issuing an order by the chairperson of a district (city) court on the said matter and for appealing it shall be determined by the procedural legislation of Georgia;

h) performs other duties provided for by the legislation of Georgia;

i) (deleted — 8 February 2017, No. 255).

j) (deleted — 8 February 2017, No. 255).

k) (deleted — 8 February 2017, No. 255).

3. Before the appointment of the chairperson of a district (city) court, and in a court in which court collegiums have been established — before the appointment of the chairperson of a court collegium, the exercise of the powers of the chairperson of a district (city) court (court collegium) may, by a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, be assigned to one of the judges of the same court. The High Council of Justice of Georgia is entitled to terminate the chairperson's powers assigned to a judge.

4. The chairperson of a district (city) court in which court collegiums have been established is at the same time a member of one of the collegiums of that court and may be the chairperson of a collegium.

5. The grounds for termination of the powers of the chairperson of a district (city) court/chairperson of a judicial collegium are:

a) personal application;

b) termination of the powers of a judge of a district (city) court;

c) dismissal of the chairperson of a district (city) court/chairperson of a judicial collegium from office as a disciplinary measure;

d) expiry of the term of the powers of the chairperson of a district (city) court/chairperson of a judicial collegium.

6. If any of the grounds provided for by paragraph 5 of this article exists (except for the case provided for by subparagraph „c“ of the same paragraph), the termination of the powers of the chairperson of a district (city) court/chairperson of a judicial collegium shall be formalised by a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

7. In the case provided for by subparagraph „c“ of paragraph 5 of this article, the chairperson of a district (city) court/chairperson of a judicial collegium shall be released from office in accordance with Chapter XIII¹ of this Law.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3523 of 2¹ July 2010 – LHG I, No. 46, 04.08.2010, Art. 286

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1489 of 1 November 2013 – website, 13.11.2013

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4389 of 27 October 2015 – website, 11.11.2015

Organic Law of Georgia No. 169 of 21 December 2016 – website, 28.12.2016

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1050 of 16 June 2017 – website, 22.06.2017

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1252 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18.12.2025

Article 32¹. Deputy Chairpersons of a District (City) Court🔗

1. In a district (city) court where there are no fewer than 30 judges, the chairperson of the court shall have 2 deputies, whom the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall appoint to the positions from among the judges of the same court for a term of 10 years by a reasoned decision. A judge appointed to the position for a term of 3 years shall be appointed as a deputy chairperson of the district (city) court within the term of his/her powers. The High Council of Justice of Georgia may appoint one of the deputy chairpersons of the district (city) court as the first deputy chairperson of the court.

2. The first deputy chairperson of a district (city) court:

a) participates in the consideration of cases;

b) on the instruction of the chairperson of the court, supervises the work of the court apparatus, and submits to the chairperson of the court proposals on the imposition of disciplinary liability on civil servants of the court apparatus for gross violation of internal labour regulations or for the commission of another disciplinary misconduct;

c) on the instruction of the chairperson of the court, for the purpose of organizational support of the administration of justice, carries out appropriate measures;

d) in the case provided for by this Law, performs the duties of the chairperson of the court;

e) exercises other powers provided for by the legislation of Georgia.

3. A deputy chairperson of a district (city) court:

a) participates in the consideration of cases;

b) in the case provided for by this Law, exercises the powers of the chairperson/first deputy chairperson of the district (city) court;

c) on the instruction of the chairperson of the district (city) court, for the purpose of organizational support of the administration of justice, carries out appropriate measures;

d) exercises other powers provided for by the legislation of Georgia.

4. The first deputy chairperson/deputy chairperson of a district (city) court may be the chairperson of one of the court's collegiums.

5. The grounds for termination of the powers of the first deputy chairperson/deputy chairperson of a district (city) court are:

a) personal application;

b) termination of the powers of a judge of the district (city) court;

c) dismissal from office of the first deputy chairperson/deputy chairperson of the district (city) court as a disciplinary measure;

d) expiry of the term of powers of the first deputy chairperson/deputy chairperson of the district (city) court.

6. If any of the grounds provided for by paragraph 5 of this Article exists (except for the case provided for by subparagraph “c” of the same paragraph), the termination of the powers of the first deputy chairperson/deputy chairperson of a district (city) court shall be formalized by a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

7. In the case of the existence of the ground provided for by subparagraph “c” of paragraph 5 of this Article, the first deputy chairperson/deputy chairperson of a district (city) court shall be released from office in accordance with Chapter XIII¹ of this Law.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 921 of 2 July 2025 – website, 02.07.2025.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1252 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18.12.2025.

Article 33. Exercise of the powers of the chairperson/first deputy chairperson/deputy chairperson/chairperson of a judicial collegium of a district (city) court🔗

1. In a district (city) court where the chairperson of the court has deputies, during the temporary absence of the chairperson of the court, his/her powers shall be exercised by the first deputy chairperson of the court, and in the absence of the first deputy chairperson of the district (city) court – by the deputy chairperson of the court. In the absence of the chairperson of the district (city) court, his/her first deputy or deputy, the powers of the chairperson of the court shall be exercised by one of the chairpersons of a judicial collegium upon the assignment of the chairperson of the court.

2. During the temporary absence of the first deputy chairperson of a district (city) court, his/her powers shall be exercised by the deputy chairperson of the district (city) court, and in the absence of the deputy chairperson of the district (city) court – by the chairperson of one of the collegiums of the court upon the assignment of the chairperson of the court.

3. In a district (city) court where there are more than 2 judges, during the temporary absence of the chairperson of the court, the powers of the chairperson shall be exercised, upon his/her own assignment, by one of the judges of that court, and in a court where judicial collegiums have been established – upon the assignment of the chairperson of the court – by the chairperson of one of the judicial collegiums. In the absence of an assignment of the chairperson of the district (city) court, his/her duties shall be performed, respectively, by the judge or the chairperson of the judicial collegium who has more experience of working as a judge.

4. During the temporary absence of the chairperson of a judicial collegium, his/her duties shall be performed, upon the assignment of the chairperson of the court, by one of the judges of that court, and in the absence of an assignment of the chairperson of the court – by the judge who has more experience of working as a judge.

5. In a district (city) court where there are 2 judges, during the temporary absence of the chairperson of the court, his/her duties shall be performed by the second judge of that court.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1252 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18.12.2025.

Article 34. Requirements established for a candidate for judgeship🔗

1. Taking into account the requirements of this Article, a capable citizen of Georgia from the age of 30 who has a higher legal education with at least a master's or an academic degree equivalent thereto/higher education diploma, at least 5 years of experience working in the specialty, possesses the state language of Georgia, has passed the judicial qualification examination, has completed the full course of study of the High School of Justice and is included in the qualification list of justice trainees may be appointed/elected to the position of judge.

2. A person with a criminal record, as well as a person who was dismissed from the position of judge on the ground provided for by subparagraph "b" of paragraph 1 of Article 43 of this Law (except where the norm of Chapter XIII¹ of this Law on the basis of which the person was dismissed from the position of judge no longer exists) or on the ground provided for by subparagraph "h" of the same paragraph, may not be appointed/elected to the position of judge.

3. The following shall be exempt from passing the judicial qualification examination in order to hold the position of judge:

a) (removed - 26.06.2025, No. 827);

b) a current or former member of the Supreme Court;

c) a current or former member of the Constitutional Court of Georgia;

d) a former judge of the common courts of Georgia − until 10 years have elapsed since the termination of judicial powers.

4. The following shall be exempt from studying at the High School of Justice in order to hold the position of judge:

a) a person nominated for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court;

b) a current or former member of the Supreme Court;

c) a current or former member of the Constitutional Court of Georgia;

d) a former judge of the Supreme, district (city) or appellate court who has passed the judicial qualification examination, was appointed to the position of a judge of the said court as a result of a competition and has at least 18 months of experience working as a judge;

e) a person who has completed the full course of study of the High School of Justice and who was included in the qualification list of justice trainees, regardless of the term for which he/she held the position of judge or whether he/she was appointed to this position after graduating from the High School of Justice.

Organic Law of Georgia of 1 November 2013 No. 1489 - website, 13.11.2013.

Organic Law of Georgia of 1 August 2014 No. 2651 - website, 12.08.2014.

Organic Law of Georgia of 8 February 2017 No. 255 - website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia of 16 June 2017 No. 1052 - website, 27.06.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia of 21 July 2018 No. 3262 – website, 10,08,2018.

Organic Law of Georgia of 1 May 2019 No. 4526 - website, 02.05.2019.

Organic Law of Georgia of 13 June 2023 No. 3129 – website, 27.06.2023.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 34¹. Rule for selecting candidates to be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court🔗

1. Not later than 3 months before the occurrence of a vacancy of a judge of the Supreme Court or not later than 1 month after the early termination of the powers of a judge of the Supreme Court, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall, in accordance with the procedure established by this Law, commence the procedure for selecting a candidate to be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall announce the commencement of the selection procedure through the official printed body of Georgia and its official website and shall provide the relevant information to the Public Broadcaster.

2. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall establish the form of the application to be submitted by a person for participation in the selection procedure and the list of accompanying documents. The application and documents submitted by a person (including a biography) shall contain appropriate information on his/her compliance with the qualification requirements for a judge, as well as the person's consent to the search/verification of information about him/her (including the person's personal data) by the High Council of Justice of Georgia in accordance with the procedure established by Article 34² of this Law and to its transfer/publication to the Parliament of Georgia.

3. Applications for a vacancy of a judge of the Supreme Court shall be accepted within 3 weeks from the commencement of the selection procedure.

4. Within 5 working days after the expiry of the period for accepting applications, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall consider the applications and accompanying documents of the persons participating in the selection procedure. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall adopt a decision on registering a person as a candidate if he/she meets the qualification requirements for a judge and has fully submitted the application and accompanying documents in accordance with the procedure established by paragraph 2 of this Article. Immediately upon completion of the registration procedure, the list of applicants, biographies and information on their registration as candidates shall be published on the website of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

5. A person participating in the selection procedure shall have the right, within 2 working days from the publication of the decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia provided for by paragraph 4 of this Article, to appeal it to the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court. The Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court shall consider the complaint in accordance with the criteria established by paragraph 4 of this Article and shall adopt a decision within 2 working days.

6. (removed – 01.04.2021, No. 447).

7. (removed – 30.09.2020, No. 7205).

8. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall begin public hearings of persons registered as candidates no earlier than 10 and no later than 20 working days after the expiry of the period for consideration of the complaint provided for by paragraph 5 of this Article. Persons registered as candidates shall, within 5 working days after the expiry of the period for consideration of the said complaint, submit to the High Council of Justice of Georgia a certificate issued in accordance with the legislation of Georgia on the submission of a declaration of property status of an official and a certificate of narcological examination. The certificate of narcological examination shall be published on the website of the High Council of Justice of Georgia within 2 working days from its submission by the candidate. If a candidate fails to submit, within the established period, the certificate on the submission of a declaration of property status of an official or the certificate of narcological examination, his/her registration as a candidate shall be annulled.

9. Not later than 5 working days before the start of the hearing of candidates, each member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be provided for review with the information obtained about the candidates in accordance with the procedure established by this Law.

10. Candidates shall appear individually at the public hearing. Members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia have the right to ask each candidate questions. Public hearings of candidates shall be held in compliance with the principle of equal treatment of all candidates. Public hearings of candidates shall be held in accordance with the procedure established by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

11. After completion of the public hearings of candidates, members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall, secretly, taking into account Article 35¹ of this Law, assess a candidate without judicial experience with points in accordance with paragraph 16 of the same Article, and a candidate with judicial experience — with points in accordance with paragraph 17 of the same Article. Members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall also secretly, taking into account Article 35¹ of this Law, assess candidates also by the integrity criterion in accordance with paragraph 15 of the same Article. If a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, in accordance with this paragraph, does not assess all candidates and does not submit the said assessments to the Apparatus of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, it shall be considered that this member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia does not participate in the procedure defined by this paragraph. At the same time, the results of the assessment of all candidates carried out by him/her shall be annulled. The number of points accumulated by the candidates, as well as the generalized assessments provided for by paragraph 15 of Article 35¹ of this Law, shall be published on the website of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

12. In accordance with paragraph 11 of this Article, after the publication of the candidate assessments, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall adopt an order, which shall indicate the identities of the candidates who advanced to the next stage, as well as the identities of those candidates who failed to advance to the next stage. Before the adoption of the said order, the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall submit to the members of the Council the summarized written information on the candidate assessments provided for by paragraph 11 of this Article. The candidates with the best result based on the total points accumulated in the assessment under the competence criterion shall advance to the next stage, in the number equal to the number of announced vacancies. At the same time, a candidate shall advance to the next stage only if the total points accumulated by the candidate in the assessment under the competence criterion is not less than 70 percent of the maximum number of points and at least 10 members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia considered that the candidate meets or fully meets the integrity criterion. If, when identifying the candidates who advanced to the next stage in accordance with the procedure established by this paragraph, it turns out that the total points accumulated by 2 or more candidates in the assessment under the competence criterion are equal, preference among them shall be given to the candidate whom a greater number of members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia assessed better under the integrity criterion, and if these assessments are also equal, to the candidate who has longer work experience in the specialty. The list of candidates who advanced to the next stage and the order of the High Council of Justice of Georgia provided for by this paragraph are public and shall be published on the website of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

13. After the publication of the list of candidates who have advanced to the next stage in accordance with paragraph 12 of this Article and of the order of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, for the purpose of submitting a candidate to the Parliament of Georgia for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court, the candidates on the said list shall be voted on individually at a closed session of the Council, in accordance with the following procedure: first, the vote shall be taken on the candidate among these candidates having the best result according to the sum of points accumulated in the assessment by the competence criterion, and then, in accordance with the same principle, the vote shall be taken successively on the remaining candidates. If it turns out that the sum of points accumulated by 2 or more candidates in the assessment by the competence criterion is equal, in determining the order of voting, preference among them shall be given to the candidate who was assessed better by more members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia by the integrity criterion, and if these assessments are also equal — to the candidate who has longer experience of working in the specialty. The voting provided for by this paragraph is secret. During the voting, the members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be guided by the integrity and competence criteria provided for by Article 35¹ of this Law. A candidate for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court shall be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia if he/she is supported by not less than two thirds of the full composition of the High Council of Justice of Georgia. Candidates shall be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia as a whole, by the submission of the High Council of Justice of Georgia. This submission and the results of the voting provided for by this paragraph shall be published on the website of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

14. A member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall have the right, after each voting provided for by this Article, to submit in writing to the High Council of Justice of Georgia his/her dissenting opinion, which shall be published on the website of the High Council of Justice of Georgia and which the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall send to the Parliament of Georgia when submitting a candidate to the Parliament of Georgia for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall also send to the Parliament of Georgia the information and documentation published on the website of the High Council of Justice of Georgia in accordance with paragraphs 11−13 and 15 of this Article.

15. If the Parliament of Georgia fails to elect the candidate(s) to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court, the High Council of Justice of Georgia is entitled, within 2 weeks from the day of the unsuccessful vote held by the Parliament of Georgia, to select, from among the candidates indicated in the list of persons registered as candidates, in accordance with the procedure established by paragraph 12 of this Article, as many candidates as there are vacancies, and to submit him/them to the Parliament of Georgia for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court in accordance with the procedure established by paragraph 13 of this Article. At the same time, the relevant information and documentation shall be published on the website of the High Council of Justice of Georgia in accordance with the same paragraphs. The procedure defined by this paragraph is a one-time procedure.

15¹. If the High Council of Justice of Georgia does not carry out the procedure defined by paragraph 15 of this Article, the procedure for selecting a candidate for election to the remaining vacant position of a judge of the Supreme Court shall start anew, in accordance with the general procedure.

16. If a candidate for judgeship of the Supreme Court is a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, he/she shall not enjoy the right to evaluate candidates and to vote at any stage of the procedure. He/she shall also not be entitled to address candidates with questions during their hearing by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

17. If the High Council of Justice of Georgia has failed to submit a candidate to the Parliament of Georgia or, as a result of the exhaustion of all relevant procedures established by law, the relevant vacancy of a judge of the Supreme Court has not been filled, the procedure for selecting a relevant candidate shall start anew within 1 month.

18. The submission to the Parliament of Georgia, for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court, of a candidate who, as a result of a vote, has failed to receive the required number of votes of the members of the Parliament of Georgia, may be made only twice within the term of office of the Parliament of the same convocation.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4526 of 1 May 2019 - website, 02.05.2019.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 7205 of 30 September 2020 – website, 05.10.2020.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 447 of 1 April 2021 – website, 01.04.2021.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3129 of 13 June 2023 – website, 27.06.2023.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1252 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18.12.2025.

Article 34². Retrieval of information about candidates to be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court of Georgia🔗

1. The relevant structural unit of the High Council of Justice of Georgia provided for by paragraph 5 of Article 36⁴ of this Law, for the purpose of objectively and fully assessing candidates for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court of Georgia, immediately upon completion of their registration, shall begin, in accordance with the procedure established by this Law, the retrieval of reliable information about the candidates.

2. The authorized structural unit of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, when retrieving information about candidates to be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court of Georgia, shall thoroughly study their professional reputation and activities, verify the accuracy of the information submitted by the candidates, as well as information on criminal prosecution/disciplinary prosecution and/or administrative proceedings against them in the past.

3. Information retrieved in accordance with this Article about candidates to be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court of Georgia shall be used by members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia for assessing the candidates. A member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be entitled, when voting, to take into account the information retrieved about a candidate to be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court of Georgia.

4. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall send to the Parliament of Georgia a submission on the nomination of a candidate for election as a judge of the Supreme Court of Georgia. Together with the submission, the Parliament of Georgia shall be sent the application provided for by paragraph 3 of Article 34¹ of this Law and the attached documents, as well as the data obtained as a result of the retrieval of information about the said candidate by the High Council of Justice of Georgia. The data obtained as a result of the retrieval of this information that are related to human health shall be confidential and their disclosure in any form shall be inadmissible. The said submission must contain information related to the candidate selection procedure and general information about the candidate.

5. When retrieving information in accordance with this Article about candidates to be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court of Georgia, the relevant structural unit of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be entitled to contact the candidates' recommenders, former employers and colleagues, the administration and academic personnel of the relevant educational institutions, as well as those agencies where information may be kept on the candidates' criminal record, participation in administrative and disciplinary disputes, and the commission of violations by them. In order to obtain information, the authorized structural unit of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be obliged to present to the relevant person the candidate's written consent to the retrieval/verification of his/her personal data.

6. In order to search for information about candidates to be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court, the authorized structural unit of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall use a standard form of recommendation and a special questionnaire. As an exception, the authorized structural unit of the High Council of Justice of Georgia may address the information provider with additional questions and/or conduct oral communication with the provider in order to obtain information, which shall be documented in writing and shall be confirmed by the information provider with a signature.

7. Any action and/or communication carried out in order to search for information about candidates to be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court shall be reflected in a single, summary record.

8. Information obtained in violation of the procedure established by this Article about candidates to be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court shall not be taken into account when the relevant decision is adopted.

9. Upon submission of the results of the search for information about candidates to be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court to the members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, the Council shall be obliged to notify the candidates of the completion of the information search and to ensure that the information held by the Council is accessible to each candidate. After the results of the information search become accessible to a candidate, the candidate shall have the right, within 2 working days, to address the High Council of Justice of Georgia in writing, to submit additional information and/or to refute, in accordance with the established procedure, the data collected about him/her. The candidate shall also have the right, at any time after the completion of the voting, to review the said information. The source of this information is confidential. The candidate shall review the said information at a place designated for that purpose by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

10. Information collected about candidates to be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court shall be kept sealed in a secure place designated for that purpose by the High Council of Justice of Georgia for not less than 1 year.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4526 of 1 May 2019 – website, 02.05.2019.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 7205 of 30 September 2020 – website, 05.10.2020.

Article 34³. Appealing the submission of the High Council of Justice of Georgia made in the process of selecting candidates to be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court🔗

1. A candidate participating in the process of selecting candidates to be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court shall be entitled to appeal to the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court against the submission of the High Council of Justice of Georgia provided for by paragraph 13 or 15 of Article 34¹ of this Law, if he/she considers that:

a) a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia was biased in the process of selecting candidates;

b) the approach of a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia in the process of selecting candidates was discriminatory;

c) a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia exceeded the powers conferred on him/her by the legislation of Georgia, as a result of which the rights of the candidate were violated;

d) the information on which this submission was based is substantially incorrect and the candidate has submitted appropriate evidence to confirm this;

e) the process of selecting candidates was conducted in violation of the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia, which could have had a material influence on the final result.

2. The complaint shall be submitted to the High Council of Justice of Georgia within 1 week from the publication on its website of the submission of the High Council of Justice of Georgia provided for by paragraph 13 or 15 of Article 34¹ of this Law, which shall immediately transmit the received complaint to the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court. Where such complaint is submitted to the High Council of Justice of Georgia, the procedure defined by Article 34¹ of this Law shall be suspended until the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court adopts a decision.

3. No state fee shall be paid for a complaint.

4. The complaint shall state:

a) the name of the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court;

b) the identity and address of the person filing the complaint, the name and address of the opposing party;

c) the exact names of the appealed submission and of the body receiving it;

d) the ground for appealing the submission defined by paragraph 1 of this Article, as well as the facts and evidence confirming the existence of this ground;

e) the list of written materials attached to the complaint;

f) the signature of the person filing the complaint.

5. All evidence indicated therein shall be attached to the complaint. Where the complaint is submitted by a representative of the author of the complaint, a power of attorney shall be attached thereto confirming that the representative of the author of the complaint is authorised to submit the complaint.

6. The Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court verifies whether the complaint has been filed by a candidate entitled to file a complaint and whether it meets the requirements of paragraphs 4 and 5 of this Article. If the complaint has been filed by a candidate entitled to file a complaint and meets the requirements of paragraphs 4 and 5 of this Article, the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court shall admit it for proceedings. If the complaint has been filed by a candidate entitled to file a complaint and does not meet the requirements of paragraphs 4 and 5 of this Article, the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court shall instruct the author of the complaint to remedy the defect and shall set a reasonable time period for this purpose, but not more than 2 days. If the defect is not remedied within this period, the complaint is not filed by a candidate entitled to file a complaint or the time limit established by law for filing a complaint has been violated, the complaint shall remain unexamined. The Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court shall decide the issue of admissibility of the complaint without an oral hearing.

7. After the complaint is admitted for proceedings, the complaint and copies of the materials attached thereto shall be sent to the opposing party. The Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court is entitled to join two or more complaints into one proceeding for joint examination.

8. The Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court shall examine the complaint within 2 weeks from its referral by the High Council of Justice of Georgia. The Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court shall determine the time of the oral hearing of the case by a ruling on admission of the complaint for examination and shall notify the parties thereof within 1 day from the issuance of this ruling. The Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court shall ensure the invitation of the parties/participants to participate in the session of the Qualification Chamber.

9. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall appoint its representative to participate in the examination of the complaint by the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court.

10. As a result of the examination of the case, the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court shall adopt one of the following judgments:

a) on leaving the submission of the High Council of Justice of Georgia unchanged;

b) on annulling the submission of the High Council of Justice of Georgia and returning the case for re-examination.

11. The establishment by the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court of a ground for appealing the submission defined by paragraph 1 of this Article may become a ground for annulling the submission of the High Council of Justice of Georgia only if the Qualification Chamber considers that the relevant violation influenced the final outcome and resulted in the adoption of a substantively incorrect submission by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

12. (removed – 17.12.2025, No. 1252).

13. If the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court adopts a decision on annulment of a submission of the High Council of Justice of Georgia provided for by paragraph 13/paragraph 15 of Article 34¹ of this Law and on remanding the case for reconsideration, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall, in accordance with the same paragraph, adopt a new submission. A member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall not participate in any voting held for the adoption of this submission if the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court has established by its said decision the commission by this member of the Council of any of the acts provided for by subparagraphs „a“–„c“ of paragraph 1 of this Article. When adopting a new submission, the members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall take into account the decision of the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court.

13¹. A new submission of the High Council of Justice of Georgia may be appealed once, within 3 working days from its publication on the Council's website, in accordance with the procedure established by this Article. The Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court shall consider the complaint within 1 week from its referral by the High Council of Justice of Georgia, in accordance with the procedure established by this Article.

13². (removed – 17.12.2025, No. 1252).

14. (removed – 01.04.2021, No. 447).

Organic Law of Georgia No. 7205 of 30 September 2020 – website, 05.10.2020.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 447 of 1 April 2021 – website, 01.04.2021.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3129 of 13 June 2023 – website, 27.06.2023.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4218 of 29 May 2024 – website, 12.06.2024.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1252 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18.12.2025.

Article 35. Procedure for filling vacant positions of judges of district (city) and appellate courts🔗

1. A person shall be appointed for life to a vacant position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court.

2. If a vacant position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court exists, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall, through the official print publication of Georgia and its official website, announce a competition and carry out the appropriate procedure for appointing a judge to the vacant position of a judge of the said court.

3. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall, in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia, appoint a judge to a vacant position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court by a decision adopted by not less than two-thirds of the full composition. When appointing a judge through a competition, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be guided by the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia for selecting a candidate to be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court. When assessing, in accordance with Article 35¹ of this Law, a candidate for judgeship with judicial experience participating in the competition (except for a current or former member of the Constitutional Court of Georgia or the Supreme Court) under the criteria of integrity and competence, it shall be mandatory to assess 5 cases considered by him/her, on which the summary/final decisions rendered have entered into legal force (including the assessment of not less than 2 cases (if any), on which the summary/final decisions rendered were annulled/partially annulled by a higher instance court). The cases to be assessed shall be selected in compliance with the principle of randomness. The purpose of studying the case/decision is to assess the level of knowledge of the candidate for judgeship of substantive and procedural legislation, human rights law (including the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights), the correctness of the application of the relevant legal norms in the decision rendered by him/her, the reasoning and persuasiveness of the decision, the judge's ability for analytical thinking, and the ability to convey thoughts clearly and understandably, to reason logically and to analyze. When studying the case/decision, the nature and seriousness of the legal error made in the decision annulled/partially annulled by the higher instance court shall also be assessed.

4. If a candidate for the position of judge cannot be appointed to the corresponding vacant position of judge, after the completion of the voting, at least 3 members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia have the right, with the consent of this candidate, to apply to the Council so that it, within the framework of the current competition, holds a new vote for the appointment of the said candidate to any remaining vacant position. The High Council of Justice of Georgia adopts a decision on holding a new vote by a majority of those present at its meeting. The new vote is held under the general procedure. At the same time, the candidate for the position of judge must meet all the relevant requirements established by Article 34 of this Law necessary for appointment to that vacant position of judge (including the requirements regarding citizenship, legal capacity, age, education, work experience in the specialty, and command of the state language of Georgia), for appointment to which a new vote is held for him/her.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1052 of 16 June 2017 – website, 27.06.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13.01.2022.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2282 of 1 December 2022 – website, 15.12.2022.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3129 of 13 June 2023 – website, 27.06.2023.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4218 of 29 May 2024 – website, 12.06.2024.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1252 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18.12.2025.

Article 35¹. Criteria for the evaluation of a candidate for judgeship and a judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court, their characteristics and the evaluation system🔗

1. A candidate for judgeship and a judge appointed before 1 January 2025 for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) court shall be evaluated by 2 main criteria − the criteria of integrity and competence.

2. The characteristics of the integrity criterion are:

a) personal integrity and professional conscience;

b) independence, impartiality and fairness;

c) personal and professional conduct;

d) personal and professional reputation;

e) financial obligation − only in the case of the evaluation of a candidate for judgeship with judicial experience or a judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court.

3. The characteristics of the competence criterion are:

a) knowledge of legal norms;

b) ability and competence of legal reasoning;

c) writing and oral communication skills − only in the case of the evaluation of a candidate for judgeship without judicial experience;

d) writing skills − only in the case of the evaluation of a candidate for judgeship with judicial experience or a judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court;

e) oral communication skills − only in the case of the evaluation of a candidate for judgeship with judicial experience or a judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court;

f) professional qualities − only in the case of the evaluation of a candidate for judgeship without judicial experience;

g) professional qualities (including conduct in the courtroom) − only in the case of the evaluation of a candidate for judgeship with judicial experience or a judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court;

h) academic achievements and professional training;

i) professional activity.

4. When assessing a person by the characteristic of personal integrity and professional conscience, there shall be taken into account his honesty as a judge (in the case of assessment of a candidate for judgeship with judicial experience or a judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court) and as a citizen, integrity, awareness corresponding to duties and responsibility, transparency, correctness and accuracy in the performance of official or other duties, financial or other obligations (for example, when filling out a declaration of the property status of an official, when paying a bank or other debt, utility or other tax, a fine for violation of traffic rules) and other, while in the assessment of a candidate for judgeship with judicial experience or a judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court − also love of truth.

5. When assessing a person by the characteristic of independence, impartiality and fairness, there shall be taken into account his adherence to principles, ability to make decisions independently and resistance to influence, personal firmness, steadfastness and other, while in the assessment of a candidate for judgeship with judicial experience or a judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court − also impartiality on political or other grounds, fairness.

6. When assessing a person by the characteristic of personal and professional conduct, there shall be taken into account his correctness in relations with colleagues and other persons, restraint, ability to manage his own emotions, disputes conducted in court in which he participated as a party, the existence of criminal charges against him and other, while in the assessment of a candidate for judgeship with judicial experience or a judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court − also his observance of judicial ethics, conduct and image corresponding to the high rank of a judge, conduct during disciplinary proceedings against him.

7. When assessing a person by the characteristic of personal and professional reputation, there shall be taken into account his business and moral reputation and authority in legal circles and society, the nature and quality of relations with legal circles and other.

8. When assessing, by the characteristic of financial obligation, a candidate for judgeship with judicial experience or a judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court, there shall be taken into account information about the source of his income, assets, property held in ownership and/or use, and debt and obligation corresponding to this property and income. The purpose of checking a person's financial obligation is to assess whether there are grounds for a conflict between his property interests and the interests of justice, which may pose a threat to his impartiality.

9. When assessing a person by the characteristic of knowledge of legal norms, the level of his/her knowledge of substantive and procedural legislation and human rights law (including the case law of the European Court of Human Rights) shall be taken into account. For the purpose of assessing, by this characteristic, a candidate for judgeship who has no judicial experience, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be entitled to request the results of the judicial qualification examination passed by him/her and the assessment of the Independent Council of the High School of Justice. For the purpose of assessing, by the said characteristic, a candidate for judgeship who has judicial experience or a judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court, the assessor shall take into account the correctness of the application of the relevant legal norms (including the case law of the European Court of Human Rights) in the judgments rendered in the cases considered by him/her. For the purpose of assessing, by the above characteristic, a candidate for judgeship who has judicial experience or a judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court, the assessor shall request the results of the judicial qualification examination passed by him/her and the assessment of the Independent Council of the High School of Justice.

10. When assessing a person by the characteristic of the ability of legal reasoning and competence, his/her ability of analytical thinking and professional experience shall be taken into account, and when assessing a candidate for judgeship who has judicial experience or a judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court — also the substantiation and persuasiveness of the judgments rendered in the cases considered by him/her.

11. When assessing a person by the characteristic of writing ability, his/her ability to convey thoughts in writing clearly and comprehensibly, to reason logically and to analyse shall be taken into account. When assessing a person by the characteristic of oral communication ability, his/her ability to speak correctly, ability to listen patiently to another's opinion, openness, the possibility to listen to a different opinion, and others shall be taken into account.

12. When assessing, by the characteristics of professional qualities, a candidate for judge who has no judicial experience, account shall be taken of his/her punctuality, diligence, ability for independent thinking, ability to work in a stressful situation, purposefulness, managerial skills and others. When assessing, by the characteristics of professional qualities (including conduct in the courtroom), a candidate for judge who has judicial experience or a judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court, account shall be taken of his/her punctuality, proper and responsible preparation of a case, conduct in the courtroom and the ability to properly conduct a court hearing, conduct in relations with the parties, assiduity and diligence, ability to take a decision without assistance and independent thinking, ability to work in a stressful situation, purposefulness, productivity and promptness, observance of procedural time limits, managerial skills and others.

13. When assessing a person by the characteristics of academic achievements and professional training, account shall be taken of his/her openness to novelties, ability for self-development, office culture, interest in acquiring new knowledge and skills, participation in professional training programmes, application of the acquired knowledge and skills in practical activity and others.

14. When assessing a person by the characteristics of professional activity, account shall be taken of his/her ability to show initiative, putting forward ideas and proposals, his/her scientific and other publications, his/her merits before the legal profession and society and others, while when assessing a candidate for judge who has judicial experience or a judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court − also his/her participation in discussions, meetings and seminars of various formats on issues of the legal system and the administration of justice, open and free expression of his/her own position and views.

15. When assessing, by the criterion of integrity, a candidate for judge or a judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court, account shall be taken of the proper characteristics of the criterion of integrity defined by this Article. As a result of the analysis and comparison of the said characteristics, the evaluator shall draw one of the following conclusions:

a) the candidate for judge/the judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court does not meet the criterion of integrity;

b) the candidate for judge/the judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court meets the criterion of integrity;

c) the candidate for judge/the judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court fully meets the criterion of integrity.

16. A candidate for judgeship who does not have judicial experience under the competence criterion shall be assessed by points, according to the appropriate characteristics of the competence criterion defined by subparagraphs „a“–„c“, „f“, „h“ and „i“ and paragraphs 9–14 of this article. Depending on the significance of the said characteristics, the maximum number of points obtainable for each of these characteristics differs from one another and is determined as follows:

a) knowledge of legal norms – 25 points;

b) ability and competence of legal reasoning – 25 points;

c) writing and oral communication skills – 20 points;

d) professional qualities – 15 points;

e) academic achievements and professional training – 10 points;

f) professional activity – 5 points.

17. A candidate for judgeship who has judicial experience under the competence criterion, or a judge appointed for a term of 3 years to the position of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court, shall be assessed by points, according to the appropriate characteristics of the competence criterion defined by subparagraphs „a“, „b“, „d“, „e“ and „g“–„i“ and paragraphs 9–14 of this article. Depending on the significance of the said characteristics, the maximum number of points obtainable for each of these characteristics differs from one another and is determined as follows:

a) knowledge of legal norms – 20 points;

b) ability and competence of legal reasoning – 20 points;

c) writing skills – 20 points;

d) oral communication skills – 15 points;

e) professional qualities (including conduct in the courtroom) – 15 points;

f) academic achievements and professional training – 5 points;

g) professional activity – 5 points.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3129 of 13 June 2023 – website, 27.06.2023.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1252 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18.12.2025.

Article 35². (removed)🔗

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3129 of 13 June 2023 – website, 27.06.2023.

Article 35³. Conflict of interest🔗

1. When conducting a competition to fill a vacant position of a judge, a candidate for judicial office shall be entitled, by a reasoned motion, to request the recusal of a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia if there is a conflict of interest, namely, a circumstance that renders questionable the objectivity, independence and/or impartiality of that member of the High Council of Justice. If a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia is a family member of the candidate for judicial office, a relative in the direct ascending or descending line, a sister, brother, stepchild of a parent or child, or the spouse's sister, brother or parent, he/she shall not participate in the procedure of the competition to fill the vacant position of a judge.

2. In the event of a conflict of interest, a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be obliged to declare this in advance and not to participate in taking a decision on the appointment of the relevant candidate for judicial office to the position of judge.

3. A member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia may not participate in the procedures of a competition to fill a vacant position of a judge, as a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, if he/she personally participates in the competition to fill that vacant position of a judge.

4. The decision on the recusal of a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be taken by the High Council of Justice of Georgia by a majority of votes. The member of the Council whose recusal is being considered shall not participate in the voting.

5. The rules provided for by this Article shall also apply when the High Council of Justice of Georgia decides issues of promotion of a judge and his/her disciplinary liability, when electing a member of the High Council of Justice to the Independent Council of the High School of Justice, the Prosecutorial Council, the Civil Service Council or another body established by law, and when adopting an order of the High Council of Justice on another matter. The rule related to conflict of interest shall not apply to an order of the High Council of Justice of Georgia that does not concern an individually defined circle of persons.

6. It shall be inadmissible to recuse a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia on account of an opinion expressed by him/her with respect to an abstractly defined circle of persons.

Organic Law of Georgia of 8 February 2017 No. 255 – website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia of 13 December 2019 No. 5569 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 35⁴. (repealed)🔗

Organic Law of Georgia of 8 February 2017 No. 255 – website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia of 13 June 2023 No. 3129 – website, 27.06.2023.

Article 36. Appointment of a judge to the position for life🔗

1. (removed - 13 June 2023, No. 3129).

2. The Parliament of Georgia shall elect a judge of the Supreme Court, on the recommendation of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, for life, until reaching the age established by this Law, by a majority of the full composition.

3. (removed - 1 May 2019, No. 4526).

4. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall appoint a judge to the position of judge of a district (city) or Court of Appeals for life, until reaching the age established by this Law, by a decision adopted by not less than two-thirds of the full composition, in accordance with this Law.

4¹. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall, not earlier than 2 months and not later than 1 month before the expiry of the term of office of a judge appointed for a 3-year term to the position of judge of a district (city) court, on the basis of an analysis of the results of the assessment provided for by paragraph 4⁴ of this Article, discuss and decide whether to appoint the said judge to the position for life. If the High Council of Justice of Georgia adopts a decision on the appointment of a judge to the position for life, the judge shall be appointed to the position for life, until reaching the age established by this Law.

4². (removed - 17 December 2025, No. 1252).

4³. A judge in respect of whom no decision has been adopted on appointment to the position of judge for life shall have his/her judicial powers terminated after the expiry of the 3-year term of office, in accordance with the procedure established by this Law, and his/her position shall be considered vacant and a competition shall be announced to fill it. This judge shall not be entitled to participate in a competition announced to fill a vacant position of judge for the next 3 years.

4⁴. For the purpose of assessing the activities of a judge appointed to the position for a 3-year term, 1 year and 2 years after his/her appointment to the position, as well as 4 months before the expiry of the 3-year term of holding the position of judge, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall select by lot one judge member and one non-judge member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia (hereinafter – assessors), who shall, independently of each other, within 2 months, assess the judge's activities in the relevant period. After the drawing of lots is completed, the identity of the assessors shall be immediately communicated to the judge being assessed. The said six assessments shall be carried out by different assessors. The judge being assessed shall be informed of the reports of each assessment period in accordance with the procedure established by paragraph 9 of Article 36⁴ of this Law. These reports shall be transmitted to the members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia for study 2 months before the expiry of the 3-year term of holding the position of judge.

4⁵. A judge is entitled, on the ground of conflict of interest, by a reasoned motion, to request the recusal of the evaluator/evaluators who is/are to evaluate his/her activity in the relevant period, namely, if there is a circumstance that gives serious grounds for doubting the objectivity, independence and/or impartiality of this evaluator/evaluators. The decision on the recusal of an evaluator shall be taken by the High Council of Justice of Georgia by a majority of votes. The evaluator whose recusal is being considered shall not participate in the voting. In the event of a conflict of interest, the evaluator shall be obliged to declare self-recusal and not to participate in the evaluation.

5. If, before the completion of the consideration of a case commenced with the participation of a judge, he/she has reached the age provided for by subparagraph „g“ of paragraph 1 of Article 43 of this Law or his/her term of office has expired, the judge's powers may, by a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, be extended until a final judgment is delivered in the said case by this judge or by the court collegium or chamber of which he/she is a member. During the period for which the judge's powers have been extended, he/she may not be appointed (elected) as a chairperson of a court, a deputy chairperson of a court, a chairperson of a court collegium or chamber, or an acting holder of any such office. If, at the time of reaching the age provided for by subparagraph „g“ of paragraph 1 of Article 43 of this Law or of the expiry of the term of office, the person whose powers as a judge have been extended is a chairperson of a court, a deputy chairperson of a court, a chairperson of a court collegium or chamber, or an acting holder of any such office, his/her powers as the chairperson of the court, the deputy chairperson of the court, the chairperson of the court collegium or chamber, or the acting holder of any such office shall, respectively, be terminated, notwithstanding the extension of his/her powers as a judge after reaching the said age or the expiry of the term of office.

6. In the event of a judge's transfer to another court, before the commencement of his/her judicial powers in the new office, he/she may not be removed from the consideration of a case that was in his/her proceedings at the time of the transfer to another court.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1489 of 1 November 2013 – website, 13.11.2013.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2647 of 1 August 2014 – website, 18.08.2014.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2726 of 30 October 2014 – website, 06.11.2014.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017.

Judgment of the Constitutional Court of Georgia No. 3/1/659 of 15 February 2017 – website, 21.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1052 of 16 June 2017 – website, 27.06.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10,08,2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4526 of 1 May 2019 – website, 02.05.2019

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3129 of 13 June 2023 – website, 27.06.2023

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1252 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18.12.2025

Article 36¹. Purpose and principles of the assessment of a judge's activity🔗

1. The purpose of the assessment of a judge's activity is to ensure independent and qualified justice through the selection of a worthy, qualified and conscientious judge for appointment to the position for life.

2. A judge's activity shall be assessed objectively, conscientiously and impartially.

3. Upon the commencement of the 3-year term of his/her tenure in the position, a judge shall be informed about the assessment procedure and the circumstances that will be taken into account when assessing him/her by individual criteria and when taking a decision on his/her appointment to the position of judge for life.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2647 of 1 August 2014 – website, 18.08.2014

Article 36². (removed)🔗

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2647 of 1 August 2014 – website, 18.08.2014

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3129 of 13 June 2023 – website, 27.06.2023

Article 36³. (removed)🔗

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2647 of 1 August 2014 – website, 18.08.2014

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1913 of 18 October 2022 – website, 24.10.2022

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3129 of 13 June 2023 – website, 27.06.2023

Article 36⁴. Procedure for the Evaluation of a Judge's Activity🔗

1. Evaluators evaluate a judge's activity in parallel, independently of each other. Evaluators are obliged not to disclose to each other the information obtained during the evaluation and the evaluation results.

2. An evaluator is entitled, within the 2-month period designated for the evaluation of a judge's activity, at any time to carry out the necessary measures to evaluate the judge according to the criteria defined by law, including to study cases, attend court hearings conducted by the judge being evaluated, receive immediately upon request audio and video recordings of court hearings held both during the evaluation period and before the start of the evaluation period, seek necessary information in the manner established by this law, apply to representatives of legal circles for legal consultation, meet in person with the judge being evaluated and other persons and ask questions related to specific issues in order to obtain information. An evaluator shall not ask the judge being evaluated such questions as may, in substance, amount to requesting a report on a specific case. It is inadmissible to seek information that is not related to the evaluation of the judge according to the criteria defined by this law. The use of the obtained information shall be permissible only for the purposes defined by this law. The method of obtaining information shall not infringe upon the independence of the judge being evaluated.

3. Evaluators who evaluate a judge's activity in the relevant period shall, during the evaluation, in parallel and independently of each other, study no fewer than 5 identical cases considered by the judge being evaluated, in which the summary/final judgments delivered have entered into legal force, including no fewer than 2 cases in which the summary/final judgments delivered were annulled/partially annulled by a court of higher instance (if such exist). The cases to be studied shall be selected on the principle of randomness. The purpose of studying a case/judgment is to evaluate the level of knowledge of substantive and procedural legislation, human rights law, including the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, the correctness of the application of the relevant legal norms in the judgments delivered by the judge, the reasoning and persuasiveness of court judgments, the judge's ability for analytical thinking, the clear and understandable conveyance of thought, and the ability for logical reasoning and analysis. When studying a case/judgment, the nature and seriousness of the legal errors made in a judgment annulled/partially annulled by a court of higher instance shall also be evaluated.

4. The result of the evaluation of the cases provided for by paragraph 3 of this Article cannot become a ground for reviewing the judgments delivered by the judge in these cases and/or for initiating disciplinary proceedings against the judge.

5. In order to facilitate the full implementation of the judge evaluation procedure, a relevant structural unit shall be established within the High Council of Justice of Georgia, the employees of which shall provide technical assistance to the evaluator and perform his/her individual tasks to search for the information necessary for the evaluation of a judge under a specific criterion. The said structural unit shall also exercise other powers provided for by this Law.

6. A judge whose activities are being evaluated shall have the right to notify the High Council of Justice of Georgia in writing of the evaluator's alleged excess of powers. If the High Council of Justice of Georgia, after examining the circumstances of the case, concludes that the evaluator exceeded the powers conferred on him/her by the legislation of Georgia, it shall assign the evaluation obligation by lot to another member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia or shall take other measures to eliminate and prevent violations.

7. When evaluating a judge under the integrity criterion, the relevant characteristics of the integrity criterion defined by Article 35¹ of this Law shall be taken into account. As a result of the analysis and comparison of the said characteristics, the evaluator shall issue one of the conclusions provided for by paragraph 15 of the same Article.

8. A judge shall be evaluated by points under the competence criterion, according to the relevant characteristics of the competence criterion defined by subparagraphs „a“, „b“, „d“, „e“ and „g“−„i“ of paragraph 3 and paragraphs 9−14 of Article 35¹ of this Law. Depending on the significance of the said characteristics, the maximum number of points to be obtained under each of these characteristics differs from one another and shall be determined by paragraph 17 of the same Article.

9. Immediately upon the completion of each evaluation period, the judge evaluation reports shall be transferred in sealed form to the High Council of Justice of Georgia. In order to analyse the evaluation results given in these reports, the judge to be evaluated shall have the right, after the completion of each evaluation period, to freely review the reports at the place designated for that purpose by the High Council of Justice of Georgia. Removal of the materials shall not be permitted. After the judge has reviewed the reports, they shall be sealed and attached to his/her personal file.

10. A judge evaluation report shall include:

a) a conclusion that properly describes and substantiates the results identified under each characteristic of both evaluation criteria;

b) a form completed according to the template approved by the High Council of Justice of Georgia, which reflects the conclusion reached as a result of the evaluation of the judge under the integrity criterion in accordance with paragraph 7 of this Article and the number of points obtained by the judge under each characteristic of the competence criterion;

c) all written documents and other materials on the basis of which the judge's activities were evaluated in the relevant period.

11. Data on a judge's evaluation shall be confidential until the expiry of the 3-year term of the judge's tenure in office. Neither any member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia nor any employee of the relevant structural unit shall be entitled to disclose the results of the evaluation.

12. The High Council of Justice of Georgia analyses the results of all evaluations of a judge conducted during the judge's 3-year activity. In order to reconcile the evaluations received by the judge under the competence criterion, the sum of the points obtained by the judge in the six evaluations conducted in all three evaluation periods under the characteristics of the competence criterion shall be calculated, whereafter the percentage value of this sum shall be determined in relation to the maximum possible number of points determined for the competence criterion.

13. If, during the evaluation under the good faith criterion, more than half of the evaluators consider that the judge does not meet the good faith criterion, and/or the sum of points obtained by the judge under the competence criterion fails to reach 70 per cent of the maximum number of points, the Chairperson of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall issue a legal act on refusal to consider by the High Council of Justice of Georgia the issue of appointing the judge to the office for an indefinite term. This act may be appealed to the High Council of Justice of Georgia on the ground provided for by subparagraphs „a“–„e“ of paragraph 1 of Article 36⁵ of this Law, within 1 week from its transmission to the judge.

14. As a result of considering the complaint provided for by paragraph 13 of this Article, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall, by open vote, by a majority of 2/3 of its full composition, adopt a decision on annulment of the legal act of the Chairperson of the High Council of Justice of Georgia and on holding an interview with the judge.

15. The establishment by the High Council of Justice of Georgia of the ground indicated in paragraph 1 of Article 36⁵ of this Law may become a ground for annulment of the legal act of the Chairperson of the High Council of Justice of Georgia only if, in the opinion of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, the relevant violation influenced the final result of the evaluation and resulted in the adoption of a substantively incorrect decision.

16. If the High Council of Justice of Georgia has not adopted the decision provided for by paragraph 14 of this Article, the appealed legal act shall no longer be subject to appeal.

17. If the High Council of Justice of Georgia has adopted the decision provided for by paragraph 14 of this Article, it shall hold an interview with the judge and adopt a decision in accordance with the procedure established by paragraphs 19 and 20 of this Article. In the event of the adoption by the High Council of Justice of Georgia, as a result of the interview with the judge, of a decision on refusal to appoint the judge to the office for an indefinite term, this decision shall be appealed in accordance with the procedure established by Article 36⁵ of this Law.

18. A judge who has been refused appointment to the position of a judge for an indefinite term shall have the right to request that the evaluation results not be made public. In this case, the evaluation results shall be attached in sealed form to the judge's personal file and shall be opened only during the competition in which he/she participates, in the manner prescribed by law, in order to reoccupy the position of a judge.

19. If, during evaluation by the integrity criterion, three or more evaluators consider that the judge meets or fully meets the integrity criterion, while the total score obtained by the judge under the competence criterion is not less than 70 per cent of the maximum score, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall conduct an interview with the judge and hear his/her opinion on the evaluation results. The judge shall also have the right to submit his/her opinion on the evaluation results to the High Council of Justice of Georgia in written form, as well as to submit a self-evaluation orally and/or in writing, which implies the submission to the High Council of Justice of Georgia of an analysis of the judge's, in the judge's opinion, most successful and most unsuccessful judgment(s) during the judge's 3-year activity, as well as of the mistakes made by him/her in adopting judgments. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall hear the evaluators in order to obtain information on matters related to the evaluation.

20. The High Council of Justice of Georgia, on the basis of an analysis of the evaluation results and the interview with the judge, shall deliberate in the manner prescribed by paragraph 4¹ of Article 36 of this Law and, by not less than two thirds of its full composition, by secret ballot, shall adopt a decision on appointment to the position of a judge for an indefinite term, until reaching the age prescribed by this Law. If less than two thirds of the full composition of the High Council of Justice of Georgia support the appointment to the position of a judge for an indefinite term, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall adopt a decision to refuse appointment to the position of a judge for an indefinite term. A copy of the decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia on appointment to the position of a judge for an indefinite term/on refusal of appointment to the position of a judge for an indefinite term shall be transmitted to the judge, together with the dissenting opinion, immediately upon the adoption of the decision.

21. In the case of appointment to the position of a judge for an indefinite term, the judge's evaluation reports shall be public information and any person shall have the right to request them in the manner prescribed by Chapter III of the General Administrative Code of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia of 1 August 2014 No. 2647 – website, 18.08.2014.

Organic Law of Georgia of 8 February 2017 No. 255 – website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia of 13 June 2023 No. 3129 – website, 27.06.2023.

Organic Law of Georgia of 17 December 2025 No. 1252 – website, 18.12.2025.

Article 36⁵. Appeal against a Decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia🔗

1. A judge has the right to appeal to the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court against a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia on the refusal to appoint him/her to office for life, if he/she considers that:

a) during the assessment, the assessor / during the interview, a member (members) of the High Council of Justice of Georgia was (were) biased;

b) during the assessment, the approach of the assessor / during the interview, the approach of the member(s) of the High Council of Justice of Georgia was discriminatory;

c) the assessor exceeded the powers conferred on him/her by the legislation of Georgia, as a result of which the rights of the judge being assessed were violated or the independence of the court was endangered;

d) the information that served as the basis for the assessment is substantially erroneous, to confirm which the judge being assessed submitted relevant evidence;

e) the assessment was conducted in violation of the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia, which could have materially affected the final result.

2. The complaint shall be filed with the High Council of Justice of Georgia within 2 weeks from the delivery of the relevant decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia to the judge, which shall forward the received complaint together with the attached materials to the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court within 3 days.

3. A judge shall appeal the relevant decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia in person or through his/her defence counsel or another representative.

4. No state fee shall be paid for a complaint filed against a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia on the refusal to appoint a judge to office for life.

5. The complaint shall contain:

a) the name of the Qualification Chamber;

b) the identity and address of the person filing the complaint, the name and address of the opposing party;

c) the exact name of the appealed decision, the name of the body that adopted this decision;

d) a reference to the ground for appeal provided for by paragraph 1 of this Article, as well as the facts and evidence confirming the existence of this ground;

e) a list of the written materials attached to the complaint;

f) the signature of the person filing the complaint.

6. All evidence indicated therein shall be attached to the complaint. A complaint filed by a representative shall be accompanied by a power of attorney confirming that the representative is authorised to file the complaint.

7. Within 5 days from receipt of the complaint, the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court shall verify whether the complaint has been filed in compliance with the requirements of paragraphs 5 and 6 of this Article. If the complaint meets the requirements of paragraphs 5 and 6 of this Article, the Qualification Chamber shall accept it for proceedings. If the complaint does not meet the requirements of paragraphs 5 and 6 of this Article, the Qualification Chamber shall instruct the person filing the complaint to correct the defect, for which purpose it shall set that person a reasonable time limit, but not exceeding 5 days. If the defect is not corrected within this time limit, or the time limit established by law for filing the complaint is violated, the complaint shall remain unexamined. The Qualification Chamber shall decide the issue of admissibility of the complaint without an oral hearing.

8. After the complaint is accepted for proceedings, copies of the complaint and the attached materials shall be sent to the opposing party. The Qualification Chamber may set a time limit for the opposing party to give a written response to the complaint.

9. The Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court shall consider the complaint within 1 month from acceptance for proceedings. By a ruling on acceptance of the complaint for consideration, the Qualification Chamber shall determine the time of the oral hearing of the case, of which it shall notify the parties within 3 days from the adoption of this ruling. The Qualification Chamber shall ensure the invitation of the parties/participants to participate in the session of the Qualification Chamber.

10. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall appoint its representative to participate in the consideration of the complaint in the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2647 of 1 August 2014 – website, 18 August 2014.

Article 36⁶. Consideration of a case and adoption of a judgment by the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court🔗

1. A complaint shall be considered by oral hearing at an open session of the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court. During consideration of the complaint, the judge's evaluation reports are public.

2. The session of the Qualification Chamber shall be chaired by the Chairperson of the Qualification Chamber or, on his/her instruction, by another member of the Qualification Chamber.

3. The Chairperson of the session of the Qualification Chamber shall open the session and announce the case to be considered. The Secretary of the session of the Qualification Chamber shall report to the session who of the persons summoned to the session for the case to be considered has appeared, whether the persons who failed to appear have been notified about the session, and what information exists regarding the reasons for their failure to appear. The Qualification Chamber shall establish the identity of those who have appeared and shall also verify the authority of the representatives.

4. The Chairperson of the session of the Qualification Chamber shall explain to the parties and their representatives their rights and obligations. The Chairperson of the session shall announce the composition of the Qualification Chamber and the identity of the Secretary of the session and shall explain to the parties that they may file a challenge if there is a ground for challenge provided for by the procedural legislation of Georgia.

5. The Chairperson of the session of the Qualification Chamber shall ask the parties whether they have any motion or statement that could not have been made before the session.

6. Participants in the proceedings shall be obliged to maintain order and obey the instructions of the Chairperson of the session of the Qualification Chamber. In the event of a breach of order, the Chairperson of the session shall give a warning to the offender.

7. Consideration of the case shall begin with a report on the case by the Chairperson of the session of the Qualification Chamber, which must be based on the materials presented in the case. After the report on the case by the Chairperson of the session, he/she shall give the floor to the parties for explanations.

8. First, explanations shall be given by the author of the complaint/his or her representative. In particular, he/she shall explain what he/she demands, what circumstances this demand is based on, by what he/she confirms these circumstances, whether he/she still supports this demand, whether he/she renounces the complaint, and other matters.

9. After hearing the author of the complaint/his or her representative, the Qualification Chamber shall hear the explanations of the opposing party/his or her representative as to whether he/she recognizes the complaint and other matters.

10. If only one party appeared at the session of the Qualification Chamber, the Qualification Chamber shall receive explanations from that party.

11. With the permission of the Chairperson of the session of the Qualification Chamber, each party may put a question to the opposing party and his or her representative. If a question goes beyond the subject of the consideration and does not serve the examination and establishment of the circumstances of the case, the Chairperson of the session, at the request of a party or on his/her own initiative, may withdraw such a question.

12. A member of the Qualification Chamber shall have the right to put questions to the parties that will contribute to the full and accurate determination of the circumstances relevant to the resolution of the case and to the ascertainment of their reliability.

13. The debate consists of the speeches of the parties and their representatives. The author of the complaint and his/her representative speak first, and then the opposing party and its representative.

14. After each participant of the debate delivers a speech, the chairperson of the session of the Qualification Chamber gives the parties the opportunity to make replies.

15. After the debate is completed, the Qualification Chamber retires to the deliberation room to adopt a decision, of which it notifies the parties.

16. After returning from the deliberation room, the chairperson of the session of the Qualification Chamber announces the decision adopted and explains the grounds for adopting the decision, after which he/she declares the session closed.

17. Minutes shall be drawn up at the session of the Qualification Chamber, which shall be signed by the chairperson and the secretary of the session.

18. The Qualification Chamber adopts a decision by majority of votes. A member of the Qualification Chamber may not abstain from voting when adopting a decision.

19. The decision of the Qualification Chamber shall state the content of the decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, the content of the complaint received, the results of the consideration of the case in the Qualification Chamber, the essence and reasoning of the decision adopted by the Qualification Chamber.

20. The Qualification Chamber adopts one of the following decisions:

a) on leaving unchanged the decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia on refusal to appoint to the position of judge for an indefinite term;

b) on annulment of the decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia on refusal to appoint to the position of judge for an indefinite term and remanding the case for reconsideration.

21. The establishment by the Qualification Chamber of the ground indicated in paragraph 1 of Article 36⁵ of this Law may become a ground for annulment of the decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia only if, in the opinion of the Qualification Chamber, the relevant violation influenced the final outcome and resulted in the adoption by the High Council of Justice of Georgia of a substantively incorrect decision.

22. The decision adopted by the Qualification Chamber shall be drawn up in writing. The decision shall be signed by the members of the Qualification Chamber. A copy of the decision shall be sent to the parties.

23. The decision of the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court is final and shall not be appealed.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2647 of 1 August 2014 – website, 18 August 2014.

Article 36⁷. Result of the adoption of a decision by the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court🔗

1. In the event of the adoption by the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court of a decision on the annulment of a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia and the return of the case for reconsideration, the High Council of Justice of Georgia, taking into account the decision of the Qualification Chamber, shall reconsider the issue of the appointment of a judge to the position for life and, within 2 weeks from the receipt of a copy of the decision of the Qualification Chamber, shall adopt a decision on the appointment of the judge to the position for life in accordance with the procedure established by paragraph 20 of Article 36⁴ of this Law.

2. A repeated decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia on the refusal to appoint a judge to the position for life shall be appealed in accordance with the procedure established by this Law for appealing a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia on the refusal to appoint a judge to the position for life.

3. In the event of the adoption by the High Council of Justice of Georgia of a decision on the appointment of a judge to the position for life, the judge shall be considered appointed to the position for life from the moment of the adoption of the said decision by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

4. In the event of an appeal of a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia on the refusal to appoint a judge to the position for life, the judge's position shall be considered vacant and a competition shall be announced to fill it after the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court leaves the decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia unchanged, and in the event of the annulment by the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court of the decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia and the return of the case for reconsideration – after the adoption by the High Council of Justice of Georgia of a repeated decision on the refusal to appoint the judge to the position for life.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2647 of 1 August 2014 – website, 18.08.2014.

Article 36⁸. Liability for unlawful interference in the activity of an assessor🔗

Unlawful interference in the activity of an assessor is inadmissible and entails the liability provided for by the Criminal Code of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2647 of 1 August 2014 – website, 18.08.2014.

Article 37. Rule for appointing a judge to another court as a judge without competition🔗

1. In the event of a vacancy, a judge appointed to a position may, with his/her own consent, be appointed without competition as a judge of a district (city) or appellate court. If the judge is not appointed to the position for an indefinite term, he/she shall be appointed without competition as a judge of a district (city) or appellate court within the term of his/her powers.

2. A judge of a district (city) court shall be appointed without competition as a judge of the appellate court if he/she meets the requirements provided for by Article 41 of this Law.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1489 of 1 November 2013 – website, 13.11.2013.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 37¹. Rule for the assignment of powers to another judge/secondment of a judge to another court🔗

1. In cases of necessity, where this is caused by a shortage of judges in a district (city) or the Court of Appeals and/or a sharp increase in the number of cases to be considered, and/or in exceptional cases, where due to the existence of other objective circumstances this is necessary for the proper administration of justice, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall submit a proposal for the exercise of the powers of a judge to judges of other courts. If, within 5 days from the submission of the said proposal, any judge expresses consent, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall adopt a decision on the secondment of this judge to another court (including from the Court of Appeals to a district (city) court or from a district (city) court to the Court of Appeals) for a term determined by the High Council of Justice of Georgia. At the same time, this rule shall not apply if a judge, on his/her own initiative, applies to the High Council of Justice of Georgia regarding his/her secondment to another court.

2. If a judge cannot be selected under the procedure established by paragraph 1 of this Article, the High Council of Justice of Georgia is entitled, with the support of not less than 2/3 of its full composition, without the judge's consent, to adopt a decision on the secondment of the judge to another court (including from the Court of Appeals to a district (city) court or from a district (city) court to the Court of Appeals) for a term of not more than 2 years. The term of secondment without the judge's consent may be extended by not more than 1 year. At the same time, the High Council of Justice of Georgia must substantiate by its decision the existence of the circumstance provided for by the first sentence of paragraph 1 of this Article, which made the secondment of the judge to another court or the extension of the secondment term without the judge's consent necessary.

3. (Deleted - 26 June 2025, No. 827).

3¹. The same judge may be seconded to another court without his/her consent only once within 10 years. Upon elimination of the relevant grounds, the secondment shall be terminated before the established term.

4. A decision adopted by the High Council of Justice of Georgia under the procedure established by this Article may be appealed once by the seconded judge to the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court of Georgia within 7 days from the delivery of this decision to him/her. The appeal shall suspend the operation of the decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia on the secondment of the judge until the Qualification Chamber adopts a decision on the relevant appeal. Proceedings in the Qualification Chamber shall be conducted in accordance with the procedure established by Articles 36⁵ and 36⁶ of this Law. Based on the consideration of the appeal, the Qualification Chamber shall adopt one of the following decisions:

a) on leaving unchanged the decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia on the secondment of the judge;

b) on annulment of the decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia on the secondment of a judge and remanding the case for reconsideration;

c) on annulment of the decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia on the secondment of a judge, whereby the secondment-related procedure is completed.

5. A judge seconded to another court shall be paid monthly a secondment supplement to the official salary, the amount of which shall be determined by the High Council of Justice of Georgia. In the case of secondment of a judge of a district (city) court to another district (city) court, the sum of the amount of the said supplement and the amount of the monthly official salary of the judge seconded to that court shall not exceed the amount of the monthly official salary of a judge of a court of appeal.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13.01.2022

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3129 of 13 June 2023 – website, 27.06.2023

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4218 of 29 May 2024 – website, 12.06.2024

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025

Organic Law of Georgia No. 921 of 2 July 2025 – website, 02.07.2025

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1252 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18.12.2025

Article 38. Judge's oath🔗

1. The Chairperson of the Supreme Court and a member of the Supreme Court, before commencing the exercise of powers, if he or she was elected to the position of judge for the first time or if his or her judicial powers had been terminated before his or her election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court, as well as a judge of the courts of appeal and district (city) courts who is appointed to the position for the first time, shall, before assuming that position, take the oath in a solemn setting.

2. The Chairperson of the Supreme Court and members of the Supreme Court shall take the oath before the Parliament of Georgia, while judges of the courts of appeal and district (city) courts – before the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

3. The text of the judge's oath shall be approved by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1489 of 1 November 2013 – website, 13.11.2013

Article 39. Incompatibility of the position of a judge🔗

The position of a judge shall be incompatible with any other position and remunerated activity, except for the exception established by the Constitution of Georgia. A judge may not be a member of a political association or participate in political activity.

Article 40. Inviolability of a judge🔗

1. A judge shall be inviolable. His/her prosecution, detention or arrest, search of his/her residence or workplace, car or person shall be inadmissible without the consent of the High Council of Justice of Georgia. An exception is the case of being caught at a crime, which shall be immediately reported to the High Council of Justice of Georgia. If the High Council of Justice of Georgia does not give consent, the judge deprived of liberty shall be immediately released. The decision on consent shall be taken by the High Council of Justice of Georgia by a majority of 2/3 of its full composition.

2. The State shall ensure the security of a judge and his/her family.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10,08,2018

Article 41. Promotion of a judge🔗

A judge of a district (city) court may be appointed to a court of appeal if he/she has exercised the powers of a judge in a district (city) court for at least 3 years.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025

Article 42. Release of a judge from office🔗

1. The removal from office of the Chairperson of the Supreme Court and a judge of the Supreme Court may be effected only by way of impeachment.

2. At least one third of the full composition of the Parliament of Georgia shall have the right to raise the question of removal from office of the Chairperson of the Supreme Court and a judge of the Supreme Court on the ground of violation of the Constitution of Georgia and/or the existence of elements of a crime in an act. The Parliament of Georgia shall be entitled, after receiving the relevant conclusion of the Constitutional Court of Georgia, to remove from office the Chairperson of the Supreme Court and a judge of the Supreme Court by a majority of its full composition.

3. Judges of a court of appeal and a district (city) court shall be released from office by the High Council of Justice of Georgia by a majority of 2/3 of its full composition.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 192 of 28 December 2012 – website, 30.12.2012

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1489 of 1 November 2013 – website, 13.11.2013

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10,08,2018

Article 43. Grounds for dismissal of a judge from office and for termination of the powers of the Chairperson of the Supreme Court and a member of the Supreme Court🔗

1. The grounds for dismissal of a judge from office and for termination of the powers of the Chairperson of the Supreme Court and a member of the Supreme Court are:

a) personal application;

b) commission of a disciplinary misconduct;

c) (removed – 08.02.2017, No. 255);

d) recognition by a court as having restricted legal capacity or recognition as a recipient of support, unless otherwise determined by a court judgment;

e) termination of Georgian citizenship;

f) entry into legal force of a conviction judgment finally rendered against him or her;

g) attainment of the age of 65;

h) commission of a corruption offence in accordance with the procedure provided for by paragraph 6 of Article 20 of the Law of Georgia "On Combating Corruption";

i) death;

j) liquidation of a court, reduction of the judge's position;

k) appointment (election) to another court;

l) election or appointment to a position in another institution;

m) expiry of the term of office.

2. In the case provided for by subparagraph "b" of paragraph 1 of this Article, the existence of a submission of the Disciplinary Collegium is necessary.

2¹. Subparagraphs "b" and "h" of paragraph 1 of this Article may not become grounds for termination of the powers of the Chairperson of the Supreme Court and a judge of the Supreme Court.

2². Subparagraph "j" of paragraph 1 of this Article may not become a ground for dismissal from office of a judge appointed to the position for an indefinite term.

3. The High Council of Justice of Georgia is entitled to dismiss a judge from office if, during the last 12 months, he or she was unable to exercise his or her powers for more than 6 months and there is a relevant medical opinion according to which he or she will also be unable to exercise the powers of a judge in the future.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5920 of 27 March 2012 – website, 19.04.2012.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3397 of 20 March 2015 – website, 31.03.2015.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4389 of 27 October 2015 – website, 11.11.2015.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 169 of 21 December 2016 – website, 28.12.2016.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10,08,2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2228 of 30 November 2022 – website, 15.12.2022.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 44. Appointment of a judge to another judicial position and his/her dismissal from the position upon liquidation of a court and reduction of a judge's position🔗

1. In the event of liquidation of a court, as well as reduction of a judge's position, a judge, with his/her own prior written consent, in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia, may be assigned the exercise of the powers of a judge of a court of the corresponding or lower instance. If a judge is appointed to the position for a definite term, he/she may be assigned the exercise of the powers of a judge of a court of the corresponding or lower instance only within the term of his/her judicial powers.

2. In the event of a judge's refusal to exercise judicial powers on the ground and in accordance with the procedure provided for by paragraph 1 of this Article, or of his/her not being assigned the exercise of the powers of a judge of another court, the said judge shall be released from the occupied position and, with his/her own prior written consent, in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia, shall be placed in the reserve. If a judge is appointed to the position for a definite term, he/she shall be placed in the reserve until the expiry of the term of his/her judicial powers.

3. A judge who has been released from the occupied position in accordance with the procedure established by paragraph 2 of this Article and has not been removed from the reserve shall receive, during the period of being in the reserve, a salary of the amount determined by the legislation of Georgia. A judge in the reserve shall retain the authority to receive the salary for 3 years from being placed in the reserve. The said judge, with his/her own prior written consent, in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia, may at any time be assigned the exercise of the powers of a judge of another court. In such case, the judge shall be considered to have been removed from the reserve for the term of the assignment of the exercise of judicial powers. If a judge is appointed to the position for a definite term, he/she may be assigned the exercise of the powers of a judge of another court only within the term of his/her judicial powers.

4. A judge shall be removed from the reserve in the event of occupying a position incompatible with the position of a judge during the period of receiving the salary, or on the basis of a personal application.

Organic Law of Georgia of 1 November 2013 No. 1489 - website, 13.11.2013.

Article 45. Removal of a judge from consideration of cases🔗

1. The High Council of Justice of Georgia is entitled to apply with a submission to the Disciplinary Collegium of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia for the adoption of a decision on the removal of a judge of a district (city) or appellate court from consideration of cases, if criminal prosecution has been initiated against the judge and the High Council of Justice of Georgia, by a decision adopted by a majority of its full composition as a result of voting, on the basis of a set of mutually compatible and convincing evidence, considers that the judge's remaining in the respective position will impede the proceedings of the respective criminal case.

2. Upon the adoption of the decision on applying with a submission to the Disciplinary Collegium of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia, the High Council of Justice of Georgia, in the event of support by a majority of its full composition, shall appoint a representative who will participate in the proceedings related to the consideration of the submission by the Disciplinary Collegium of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia, and in the event of an appeal against the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia — also in the proceedings related to the consideration of the complaint by the Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court.

3. The Disciplinary Collegium of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia shall consider the submission of the High Council of Justice of Georgia within 10 working days from its receipt, in accordance with the general procedure established by this Law. The non-appearance of a party to the case at the consideration of the submission of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall not impede the consideration of the submission of the High Council of Justice of Georgia and the adoption of a decision.

4. If the Disciplinary Collegium of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia upholds the submission of the High Council of Justice of Georgia and considers that there is a set of mutually compatible and convincing evidence sufficient for a high degree of presumption that the judge's remaining in the respective position will impede the proceedings of the respective criminal case, the Disciplinary Collegium of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia shall adopt a decision on the removal of the judge from consideration of cases until the final completion of the proceedings of the respective criminal case. Otherwise, the Disciplinary Collegium of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia shall adopt a decision on refusal to satisfy the submission of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

5. A party to the case may appeal a judgment adopted by the Disciplinary Collegium of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia in connection with a submission by the High Council of Justice of Georgia to the Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court within 10 working days from its delivery. The restoration or extension of this time limit shall not be permitted. The complaint shall be submitted to the Disciplinary Collegium of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia. Within 2 working days from receipt of the complaint, the chairperson of the Disciplinary Collegium of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia shall transfer the case together with the complaint to the Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court and shall notify the parties to the case thereof.

(The normative content of the second sentence of paragraph 5 of Article 45, which, in the event of missing the time limit for appealing a judgment for a valid reason, does not permit the restoration or extension of this time limit, was declared invalid) - Judgment of the Constitutional Court of Georgia No. 3/4/1693,1700 of 7 March 2025 – website, 11.03.2025.

6. The Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court shall consider the complaint under the general procedure established by this Law, taking into account the following different procedural time limits:

a) Within 2 working days from receipt of the complaint, the Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court shall verify whether the complaint has been submitted in compliance with the requirements of Article 75⁵⁵ of this Law. If the complaint meets the requirements of the said Article, the Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court shall admit it to proceedings;

b) If the complaint does not meet the requirements of Article 75⁵⁵ of this Law, the Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court shall instruct the person submitting the complaint to remedy the defect and shall set a time limit of not more than 3 working days for this. If the defect is not remedied within this time limit or if the complaint was not submitted within the time limit established by law, the complaint shall remain unexamined;

c) The Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court shall consider the complaint within 10 working days from its admission to proceedings. The complaint may be considered at an oral hearing if, in the opinion of the Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court, this will contribute to the adoption of a lawful and reasoned judgment. At the same time, the non-appearance of a party to the case at the oral hearing of the complaint shall not hinder the consideration of the case and the adoption of a judgment.

(The normative content of the second sentence of subparagraph “c” of paragraph 6 of Article 45, which, in the event of a judge’s wish, if the resolution of the issue by the court requires the examination and establishment of facts, which will contribute to the adoption of a lawful and reasoned judgment, does not permit the possibility of considering the complaint by way of holding an oral hearing, was declared invalid) - Judgment of the Constitutional Court of Georgia No. 3/4/1693,1700 of 7 March 2025 – website, 11.03.2025.

(The normative content of the 3rd sentence of subparagraph „c“ of paragraph 6 of Article 45, which, in the case of a party's failure to appear for a valid reason at the hearing of a complaint by oral hearing, does not prevent the court from hearing the case and adopting a judgment, was declared invalid) - Judgment of the Constitutional Court of Georgia of 7 March 2025 No. 3/4/1693,1700 – website, 11.03.2025.

7. During the term of validity of the decision on the removal of a judge from hearing cases, the judge's powers shall be suspended. At the same time, during the said term the judge shall retain the rights, salary and other material benefits provided for by Article 40 of this Law.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13.01.2022.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3129 of 13 June 2023 – website, 27.06.2023.

Judgment of the Constitutional Court of Georgia of 7 March 2025 No. 3/4/1693,1700 – website, 11.03.2025.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 46. (Removed)🔗

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018 .

Article 47. High Council of Justice of Georgia🔗

1. The High Council of Justice of Georgia is established for the purpose of ensuring the independence of the court (judge), the quality and efficiency of justice, the appointment of judges to office, the dismissal of judges from office, the organisation of qualification examinations for judgeship, the development of proposals for carrying out judicial reform, and the performance of other tasks established by law.

1¹. The High Council of Justice of Georgia is accountable to the Conference of Judges of Georgia. The Chairperson of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall submit to the Conference of Judges of Georgia an annual report on the activities carried out by the High Council of Justice, which shall be published on the website of the High Council of Justice of Georgia. The annual report provided for by this paragraph shall be approved by the High Council of Justice of Georgia by a majority of not less than 2/3 of its full composition.

2. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall consist of 15 members. 11 members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be elected, in accordance with the procedure established by this Law, by the self-governing body of judges of the common courts of Georgia, 2 members shall be elected by the Parliament of Georgia, and 1 member shall be appointed by the President of Georgia. The Chairperson of the Supreme Court shall be an ex officio member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

2¹. The Chairperson of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be elected by the High Council of Justice by a majority of its full composition from among the judge members of the High Council of Justice for a term of 4 years, but not exceeding the term of his/her powers as a member of the High Council of Justice. Not less than 1/5 of the members of the High Council of Justice shall have the right to nominate a candidate for the Chairperson of the High Council of Justice of Georgia. Candidates for the Chairperson of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be voted on as a single list. A member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be entitled to vote for only one candidate. If the Chairperson of the High Council of Justice of Georgia is not elected, the procedure for his/her election shall be held again no later than 5 working days after the voting.

3. (Deleted – 26 June 2025, No. 827).

4. The common courts of Georgia shall be represented in the High Council of Justice of Georgia by the Chairperson of the Supreme Court and 11 members elected by the Conference of Judges of Georgia, including the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia. A member elected by the Conference of Judges of Georgia may be only a judge of a common court of Georgia. A member elected by the Conference of Judges of Georgia may not be a judge appointed to office for a term of 3 years, a member of the Disciplinary Chamber or the Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court. Of the members elected by the Conference of Judges of Georgia, not more than 7 members may be a chairperson of a court, his/her first deputy or deputy, or a chairperson of a court collegium or chamber.

5. 2 members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be elected by the Parliament of Georgia by a majority of not less than three fifths of the full composition, in accordance with the procedure established by the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament of Georgia. A member of the Parliament of Georgia, a judge or a prosecutor may not be nominated as a candidate for membership of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

6. The Parliament of Georgia may elect as a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia a citizen of Georgia who has a higher legal education with a master's or an academic degree equivalent thereto/a higher education diploma, at least 5 years of experience of work in the speciality, a high reputation, and who is a recognised specialist in the field of law. When electing a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, the prior consent of the candidate for membership shall be required.

7. (Removed - 06.12.2018, No. 3903).

8. (Removed - 06.12.2018, No. 3903).

9. (Removed - 06.12.2018, No. 3903).

10. (Removed - 06.12.2018, No. 3903).

11. (Removed - 06.12.2018, No. 3903).

111. The President of Georgia shall appoint a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia not earlier than 1 month and not later than 1 week before the expiry of the term of office of the respective member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, and in the case of early termination of the powers of a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia − not later than 1 month from the termination of his/her powers. A candidate for membership of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall meet the respective requirements defined by paragraphs 5 and 6 of this article.

1². The term of office of a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be 4 years. After the expiry of the term of office, a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia may not perform his/her duty. A member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be elected not earlier than 30 calendar days before the expiry of the term of office of the respective incumbent member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, and in the case of early termination of the powers of a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia – not earlier than 10 calendar days from the day of early termination of his/her powers.

13. A member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia appointed by the President of Georgia/elected by the Parliament of Georgia may not hold any other position in the public service, pursue entrepreneurial activity, directly exercise the powers of a permanent head, or of a member of a supervisory, control, audit or advisory body of an entrepreneurial entity, or pursue other remunerated activity, except scientific, pedagogical and creative activity. He/she may not be a member of a political union and/or participate in political activity.

14. For the effective exercise of the powers of a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, the High Council of Justice of Georgia may grant supplements to a judge who is a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, while a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia elected by the Parliament of Georgia/appointed by the President of Georgia shall be paid remuneration for the performance of his/her duties in the amount of the official salary of a judge of the Court of Appeals of Georgia. The measures provided for by this paragraph shall be financed within the budgetary appropriations allocated to the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

15. Sessions of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be convened as necessary, but not less than once every 3 months, by the Chairperson of the High Council of Justice of Georgia or, on his/her instruction, by the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia. In the event of the impossibility of the Chairperson of the High Council of Justice of Georgia performing his/her duties, or in another case where there is a necessity established by law for convening a session of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, the session of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be convened by the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia. A session of the High Council of Justice of Georgia may also be convened at the request of 1/3 of the members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

16. Sessions of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be chaired by the Chairperson of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, and in the cases provided for by paragraph 15 of this article – by the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

16¹. A decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia may be of an individual or normative nature. An individual legal act of the High Council of Justice of Georgia is an order of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, while a normative act is a resolution of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

16². An order adopted by the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall contain a written justification. The order of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall indicate the legislative or subordinate normative act and its respective norm on the basis of which this order was adopted.

17. Decisions of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be signed by the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, except for the cases provided for by paragraph 18 of this article.

18. On matters of appointment to and dismissal from the position of a judge, assignment of powers to another judge, assignment of the powers of a chairperson of a court, a judicial collegium or a chamber, as well as assignment of the powers of a judge upon liquidation of a court and reduction of the number of judge positions, or termination of assigned powers, decisions of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be signed by the Chairperson of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, and in his/her absence – by the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia of 27 March 2012 No. 5920 – website, 19.04.2012.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 580 of 1 May 2013 – website, 20 May 2013.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1489 of 1 November 2013 - website, 13 November 2013.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2647 of 1 August 2014 - website, 18 August 2014.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 - website, 13 February 2017.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1052 of 16 June 2017 - website, 27 June 2017.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10 August 2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3903 of 6 December 2018 – website, 14 December 2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25 December 2019.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 6858 of 15 July 2020 – website, 28 July 2020.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13 January 2022.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3129 of 13 June 2023 – website, 27 June 2023.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3666 of 15 November 2023 – website, 29 November 2023.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4218 of 29 May 2024 – website, 12 June 2024.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 426 of 2 April 2025 – website, 3 April 2025.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27 June 2025.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1252 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18 December 2025.

Article 48. Grounds for termination of the powers of a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia🔗

1. The grounds for termination of the powers of a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia are:

a) personal application;

b) transfer to or election to another position with his/her consent;

c) recognition by a court as a person with limited legal capacity or as a recipient of support, unless otherwise determined by a court judgment;

d) entry into legal force of a final conviction rendered against him/her;

e) termination of Georgian citizenship;

f) expiry of the term of powers determined by this Law;

g) death;

h) inability to exercise his/her powers for more than 6 months in a year;

i) systematic non-performance or improper performance of duties;

j) holding an incompatible position or engaging in incompatible activity;

k) election or appointment as a member by an unauthorised body or in violation of the procedure established by this Law.

2.

A member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia is dismissed from office by the Parliament of Georgia, the Conference of Judges of Georgia or the President of Georgia, respectively. In the presence of any of the circumstances indicated in subparagraphs "h"–"k" of paragraph 1 of this Article, the Parliament of Georgia or the Conference of Judges of Georgia shall vote on a decision on the termination of the powers of a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, while the President of Georgia shall take a decision on the termination of the powers of a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

3. In addition to the grounds provided for by paragraph 1 of this Article, the ground for dismissal of a judge from the office of a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia is his/her early dismissal (removal) from the office of a judge.

Organic Law of Georgia of 1 May 2013 No. 580 – website, 20.05.2013.

Organic Law of Georgia of 20 March 2015 No. 3397 – website, 31.03.2015.

Organic Law of Georgia of 8 February 2017 No. 255 – website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia of 6 December 2018 No. 3903 – website, 14.12.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia of 26 June 2025 No. 827 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 49. Powers of the High Council of Justice of Georgia🔗

1. The High Council of Justice of Georgia:

a) appoints and dismisses judges of the common courts of Georgia (except the Chairperson and members of the Supreme Court);

b) determines the composition of the qualification examination commission;

c) determines the specialization of judges of the appellate and district (city) courts, as well as, if necessary, the narrow specialization of judges in the Supreme, appellate and district (city) courts;

d) approves the structure of the apparatus of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, the titles of positions, the staffing list and official salaries, the official salary of a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, as well as the structures and staffing lists of the apparatuses of the common courts of Georgia (except the Supreme Court);

d¹) establishes the procedure for reimbursement of expenses for official business trips for members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia appointed by the President of Georgia and elected by the Parliament of Georgia;

e) develops and approves the rules for the organizational work of the common courts of Georgia;

e¹) approves the procedure for completing internships in the High Council of Justice of Georgia, district (city) and appellate courts;

e²) approves the procedure for evaluation of civil servants of the apparatuses of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, district (city) and appellate courts;

f) reviews the materials of the analysis of court statistics;

g) in accordance with the procedure provided by law, within the scope of its powers, conducts disciplinary proceedings in respect of judges of the common courts of Georgia;

h) hears the report of the Chairperson of the Department of Common Courts;

i) adopts a decision on the encouragement of a judge in accordance with the procedure established by law;

i¹) gives consent to the performance by a judge of scientific or pedagogical activity, as well as to the receipt by a judge of benefits provided for by the Law of Georgia "On Combating Corruption" (except for benefits prohibited by the legislation of Georgia);

j) develops proposals on issues of judicial reform;

j¹) from among its non-judge members, in accordance with Article 10 of the Law of Georgia "On Legal Aid", elects 1 member for submission to the Legal Aid Council;

[j¹) (deleted - 4 March 2026, No. 1377); (shall enter into force from 1 May 2026)]

j²) in accordance with paragraph 4 of Article 19 of the Law of Georgia "On Public Service", elects 2 members of the Public Service Council from among judges of the common courts;

j³) approves the court mediation program/programs;

j⁴) approves the procedure for remuneration of a mediator's activity;

j⁵) exercises the powers provided for by the Code on the Rights of the Child;

j⁶) ensures access to proceedings for persons with disabilities and, to that end, develops standards and methodology for working with participants in proceedings with disabilities, which shall take into account the specificities of the consideration of this category of cases in court;

k) exercises other powers provided for by the legislation of Georgia.

2. The rules of activity of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be determined by the Rules of Procedure, which shall be approved by the High Council of Justice of Georgia by a majority of 2/3 of its full composition.

3. For the purpose of organisational and technical support of the activity of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, the Apparatus of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be established.

4. Before a session of the High Council of Justice of Georgia is held, information on the date of the session and the agenda of the session shall be published on the website of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4461 of 22 March 2011 – website, 01.04.2011.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5529 of 20 December 2011 – website, 28.12.2011.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 580 of 1 May 2013 – website, 20.05.2013.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1489 of 1 November 2013 – website, 13.11.2013.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1789 of 13 December 2013 – website, 28.12.2013.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4389 of 27 October 2015 – website, 11.11.2015.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 169 of 21 December 2016 – website, 28.12.2016.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2034 of 7 March 2018 – website, 29.03.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4963 of 18 September 2019 – website, 27.09.2019.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5006 of 20 September 2019 – website, 27.09.2019.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5906 of 21 May 2020 – website, 25.05.2020.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 6848 of 14 July 2020 – website, 28.07.2020.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13.01.2022.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 397 of 1 April 2025 – website, 04.04.2025.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1252 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18.12.2025.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1377 of 4 March 2026 – website, 05.03.2026.

Article 49¹. Rule for granting consent to a judge's performance of scientific or pedagogical activity, as well as to a judge's receipt of a benefit provided for and permitted by the Law of Georgia "On Combating Corruption"🔗

1. Before starting scientific or pedagogical activity, as well as a reasonable time before receiving a benefit provided for and permitted by the Law of Georgia "On Combating Corruption", a judge shall notify the High Council of Justice of Georgia by written application of the intention to perform this activity or receive this benefit. The notification implies submission to the High Council of Justice of Georgia of the following information regarding the scientific or pedagogical activity or the benefit provided for and permitted by the Law of Georgia "On Combating Corruption":

a) a brief description of the scientific or pedagogical activity, information on its main essence and duration (including, indicating the relevant academic position and main functions provided for by the Law of Georgia "On Higher Education"); in the case of receipt of a benefit − a description of the essence of the benefit, including a description of the source granting the benefit (name and surname/name, personal number/identification code of the benefit grantor) and the expected material-economic effect (amount);

b) basic data on the judge's potential employer for the purposes of scientific or pedagogical activity (name, identification code, legal address, main areas of activity, etc.).

2. If the judge's application does not meet the requirements provided for by paragraph 1 of this Article, the application shall not be considered.

3. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall, within 7 working days from receipt of the notification determined by paragraph 1 of this Article, consider the issue of granting consent, for which it has the right to request the information necessary for deciding this issue (including from the chairperson of the court in which the judge exercises judicial powers).

4. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall not grant consent to the judge's performance of scientific or pedagogical activity or receipt of a benefit if:

a) the scientific or pedagogical activity performed by the judge affects the proper (due) exercise of his/her judicial powers;

b) the activity of the judge's potential employer/the person granting a benefit to the judge is incompatible with the principles of independent and impartial administration of justice;

c) the judge's receipt of a benefit is contrary to the interests of justice, which may pose a threat to his/her impartiality.

5. An appeal against a decision to refuse to grant consent to the judge's performance of scientific or pedagogical activity or receipt of a benefit shall not suspend its operation.

6. In the absence of the circumstances defined by paragraph 4 of this Article, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be entitled to issue:

a) consent to the performance by a judge of relevant scientific or pedagogical activity for a term of not more than 1 calendar year;

b) consent to the receipt by a judge of a relevant benefit.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 50. Rule for deciding a matter by the High Council of Justice of Georgia🔗

1. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be entitled to consider a matter and adopt a decision if more than half of the members of the Council attend its session.

1¹. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be entitled, not later than 3 months before the day on which a vacant position of an official to be appointed/elected by it arises, or not later than 1 month from the day of early termination of the powers of the same official, to commence and conduct, in accordance with the procedure established by this Law, the procedure for selecting a candidate for appointment/election to the said position.

2. A decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be considered adopted if it is supported by the majority of the members of the Council attending its session, except for the cases provided by the legislation of Georgia.

3. A decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia on bringing a judge to disciplinary liability shall be considered adopted if, in a secret ballot, it is supported by not less than 2/3 of the full composition of the High Council of Justice of Georgia. A decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia on another disciplinary matter shall be considered adopted if, in a secret ballot, it is supported by the majority of the full composition of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

4. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall appoint a person as a judge if his/her candidacy is supported by not less than 2/3 of the full composition of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

5. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall adopt a decision by voting.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5920 of 27 March 2012 – website, 19.04.2012.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 580 of 1 May 2013 – website, 20.05.2013.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13.01.2022.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3129 of 13 June 2023 – website, 27.06.2023.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4218 of 29 May 2024 – website, 12.06.2024.

Article 50¹. Rule for electing a member of the Legal Aid Council🔗

1. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall elect 1 member of the Legal Aid Council from among its non-judge members. A member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia present at the session shall have the right to nominate a candidate. A member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia for whose election the vote is being held shall not participate in the voting.

2. If as a result of the voting a member of the Legal Aid Council is not elected, the nominated candidates shall be voted on again. The candidate with the best result who receives more votes than the other candidates, but not less than 1/3 of the votes of the participants in the voting, shall be considered elected.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1789 of 13 December 2013 – website, 28.12.2013.

[Article 50¹. (removed)

(shall enter into force from 1 May 2026)]

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1377 of 4 March 2026 – website, 05.03.2026.

Article 51. Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia🔗

1. The Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be elected for a term of 4 years by the Conference of Judges of Georgia from among the members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia elected by it.

2. The Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall exercise the powers defined by paragraph 3 of this Article in parallel with the exercise of judicial powers, without remuneration.

3. The Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia:

a) shall provide organisational and technical support for the work of the High Council of Justice of Georgia;

b) shall head the apparatus of the High Council of Justice of Georgia and take decisions on the appointment (recruitment) to a position and dismissal (removal from service) of public servants of the apparatus of the High Council of Justice of Georgia;

c) shall prepare the sessions of the High Council of Justice of Georgia;

d) shall, within the scope of his/her competence, sign official documents;

e) shall exercise other powers defined by the legislation of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5920 of 27 March 2012 – website, 19.04.2012.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 580 of 1 May 2013 – website, 20.05.2013.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4389 of 27 October 2015 – website, 11.11.2015.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 169 of 21 December 2016 – website, 28.12.2016.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10,08,2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1377 of 4 March 2026 – website, 05.03.2026.

Article 51¹. (removed)🔗

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1052 of 16 June 2017 – website, 27.06.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13.01.2022.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 52. Qualification Examination Commission🔗

1. For the purpose of organizing and conducting the qualification examination for judicial office, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall, in accordance with the procedure established by its rules of procedure, create a qualification examination commission and approve the composition and statute of the qualification examination commission.

2. The qualification examination commission shall be created not earlier than 10 days before the conduct of the qualification examination for judicial office, and its composition may not be announced before the completion of the examination.

Article 53. Qualification examination for judicial office🔗

1. Every citizen of Georgia who has reached the age of 25 and has a higher legal education shall have the right to take the qualification examination for judicial office.

2. The procedure for conducting the qualification examination for judicial office, the qualification examination programme and the fee for participation in the examination shall be approved by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

3. The qualification examination programme provides for the examination to be conducted by the test method. After successfully passing it, the person shall take a written examination. The examination by the test method and the written examination shall be conducted in the following subjects:

a) Constitutional law of Georgia;

b) Criminal law;

c) Criminal procedure;

d) Civil law;

e) Civil procedure;

f) Administrative law;

g) Administrative procedure;

h) International instruments on human rights and international treaties and agreements of Georgia.

4. The results of the qualification examination for judicial office shall lose force if the person has not been enrolled in the High School of Justice or elected to the office of judge within 10 years after passing the examination.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5529 of 20 December 2011 – website, 28.12.2011.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017.

Article 54. Department of Common Courts🔗

1. The material and technical support of the common courts of Georgia shall be provided by a Legal Entity of Public Law under the High Council of Justice of Georgia − the Department of Common Courts (hereinafter − the Department of Common Courts).

2. State control over the activity of the Department of Common Courts shall be exercised by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

3. The structure and rules of activity of the Department of Common Courts shall be determined by the Statute of the Department of Common Courts, which shall be approved by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

4. Activity in the Department of Common Courts shall be considered public service.

5. The Chairperson of the Department of Common Courts and his/her deputies shall be appointed to and dismissed from office for a term of 3 years by the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia with the consent of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

6. Decisions on the appointment to office (recruitment into service) and dismissal from office (discharge from service) of other employees of the Department of Common Courts shall be taken by the Chairperson of the Department of Common Courts.

7. The Chairperson of the Department of Common Courts shall be accountable to the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

8. The expenditure estimate, the staff list and the payroll fund of the Department of Common Courts shall be approved by the Chairperson of the Department of Common Courts in agreement with the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

9. The financial support of the Department of Common Courts shall be provided from the State Budget of Georgia and from other revenues determined by the legislation of Georgia.

10. The Department of Common Courts shall have a seal bearing the image of the State Coat of Arms of Georgia and an account in the State Treasury. At the same time, the Department of Common Courts shall be entitled, in the cases provided for by the legislation of Georgia, to also have an account in a commercial bank.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5529 of 20 December 2011 – website, 28.12.2011

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2943 of 12 December 2014 – website, 24.12.2014

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4389 of 27 October 2015 – website, 11.11.2015

Organic Law of Georgia No. 169 of 21 December 2016 – website, 28.12.2016

Article 55. Powers of the Department of Common Courts🔗

The Department of Common Courts:

a) manages finances to ensure the activity of the courts and their material and technical base;

b) provides the courts with appropriate buildings and structures;

c) provides the courts with the normative acts and other materials necessary for their activity;

d) verifies the expenditure of financial and material resources by the courts;

e) carries out other measures for the material and technical support of the activity of the courts.

Article 56. Court apparatus, court manager🔗

1. For the purpose of the unimpeded administration of justice, the study and generalisation of court practice, the analysis of court statistics, as well as ensuring other activities of the court, court apparatuses operate in the common courts of Georgia.

2. The organisational management of the court apparatus shall be carried out by the court manager in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia, and also, where necessary, within the scope of the authority determined by the chairperson of the court. The court manager shall, in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia, appoint and dismiss the employees of the court apparatus (except for the head of the court bailiff service, the court bailiff, the assistant to a judge and the court hearing secretary).

3. The structure of the apparatus of the Supreme Court and the rules of activity of its structural subdivisions shall be determined by the Regulations of the apparatus of the Supreme Court, which shall be approved by the Plenum of the Supreme Court.

4. The structure of the apparatuses of the appellate and district (city) courts and the rules of activity of their structural subdivisions shall be determined by a regulation approved by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

4¹. The structure of the apparatus of the appellate court and of the Supreme Court must provide for the existence of a structural unit focused on the study of human rights law, including the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, whose main function shall be to facilitate judges' access to the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, the periodic analysis of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, and the conduct of information activities and publishing activities in the said field.

5. Employees of the court apparatus are public servants. A civil servant of the court apparatus and a person employed under an employment contract shall enjoy all the social guarantees that are enjoyed, respectively, by a civil servant of the legislative authority and of the executive authority and by a person employed under an employment contract.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3523 of 2¹ July 2010 - LHG I, No. 46, 4 August 2010, Art. 286

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4389 of 27 October 2015 - website, 11 November 2015

Organic Law of Georgia No. 169 of 21 December 2016 - website, 28 December 2016

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 - website, 13 February 2017

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1913 of 18 October 2022 – website, 24 October 2022

Article 56¹. (repealed)🔗

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 - website, 13 February 2017

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27 June 2025

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1252 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18 December 2025

Article 56². (repealed)🔗

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 - website, 13 February 2017

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27 June 2025

Article 57. Requirements imposed on an employee of a court staff upon appointment to a position🔗

1. A citizen of Georgia who, as a rule, has a higher legal education, knows the language of proceedings, holds the certificate of a public civil servant defined by the Law of Georgia on Public Service, has completed a paid internship of up to one year in a common court and a special training course at the High School of Justice, in accordance with the procedure established by the High Council of Justice of Georgia/Plenum of the Supreme Court, may be appointed as a civil servant of a court staff whose functions are directly related to the conduct of proceedings in court.

2. During the paid internship, the person shall be appointed to the relevant position in the court staff. A person who meets the basic requirements established for a civil servant by the Law of Georgia on Public Service may be appointed as a paid intern.

3. Upon appointment as a civil servant of a court staff, the person shall be exempted from completing the paid internship and/or the special training course provided for by paragraph 1 of this Article if he/she meets one of the following requirements:

a) has at least 1 year of experience of working as a judge, prosecutor, investigator or lawyer;

b) has passed the judicial qualification examination;

c) has at least 2 years of service of working in a legal specialty;

d) has at least 1 year of service of working in a specialty in a court.

4. A person shall be exempted from completing the special training course provided for by paragraph 1 of this Article if he/she has completed the special training course for an assistant to a judge at the High School of Justice.

5. A person who meets the requirements established by paragraph 3 of this Article for exemption from completing the paid internship may, at his/her own request, complete an internship in a common court.

6. Decisions on the appointment (recruitment) and dismissal (discharge from service) of a civil servant of a court staff whose functions are not directly related to the conduct of proceedings in court, as well as of other public servants, shall be taken in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia of 20 December 2011 No. 5529 – website, 28.12.2011.

Organic Law of Georgia of 26 April 2012 No. 6092 – website, 10.05.2012.

Organic Law of Georgia of 27 October 2015 No. 4389 – website, 11.11.2015.

Organic Law of Georgia of 21 December 2016 No. 169 – website, 28.12.2016.

Organic Law of Georgia of 16 June 2017 No. 1050 – website, 22.06.2017.

Article 58. Assistant to a judge and secretary of a court session🔗

1. The assistant to a judge receives citizens, their complaints and applications, prepares cases for consideration at a court session, searches for relevant legal literature and materials of court practice, drafts relevant documents, and, on the instruction of a judge, performs other duties related to the consideration of a case.

2. In court, cases are considered with the participation of the secretary of the court session.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5529 of 20 December 2011 – website, 28.12.2011.

Article 58¹. Distribution of cases among judges🔗

1. In district (city), appellate and supreme courts, cases are distributed among judges automatically, by means of an electronic system, in compliance with the principle of random distribution.

2. The rules for the automatic distribution of cases in the common courts of Georgia by means of an electronic system shall be approved by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

3. During a temporary interruption of the electronic system for the automatic distribution of cases, distribution of cases among judges without the electronic system, in order of sequence, shall be permissible, which implies distribution of cases among judges according to the order of receipt of cases and the alphabetical order of judges.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017.

Article 59. Court bailiff, court bailiff service🔗

1. The court bailiff service may be provided for within the structures of the apparatuses of the common courts of Georgia and the High Council of Justice of Georgia, the task of which is to ensure the protection of public order in the court and the High Council of Justice of Georgia, the protection of the buildings of the court and the High Council of Justice of Georgia, as well as the performance of other functions assigned by the legislation of Georgia.

2. General management and control of the activities of the court bailiff services shall be exercised by the relevant structural unit of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

3. A court bailiff is a public servant who is appointed to and dismissed from office by the chairperson of the court or the secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, respectively. The ranking defined by the Law of Georgia on Public Service shall not apply to a court bailiff, and his/her official salary shall be determined by the High Council of Justice of Georgia. The official salary of a court bailiff shall not exceed the official salary of a judge of the respective court.

4. A capable citizen of Georgia from the age of 22 may be appointed as a court bailiff if he/she has command of the state language and has a state of health appropriate for the performance of official duties.

5. A convicted person shall not be appointed as a court bailiff.

6. When performing official duties, a court bailiff shall wear an official uniform and a badge. The official uniform and badge of a court bailiff shall be approved by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

Decision of the Constitutional Court of Georgia of 14 December 2018 No. 3/2/767,1272 – website, 20.12.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia of 26 June 2025 No. 827 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 60. Head of the court bailiff service🔗

1. The head of the court bailiff service shall be appointed to and dismissed from office by the chairperson of the court or the secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, respectively.

2. The head of the court bailiff service shall meet the requirements established by Article 59 of this Law. A person with higher education shall be appointed as the head of the court bailiff service.

3. The head of the court bailiff service:

a) manages the activities of the court bailiff service and is responsible for the performance of the tasks of the court bailiff service;

b) ensures the timely and proper execution of the instructions of the chairperson of the court, the chairperson of the court hearing, as well as the secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia;

c) gives relevant instructions to court bailiffs in connection with the performance of their official duties;

d) exercises other powers provided by the legislation of Georgia.

Article 61. Rights and duties of a court bailiff🔗

1. A court bailiff:

a) ensures the safety of judges, participants in court proceedings and witnesses;

b) maintains order in the court, as well as in the High Council of Justice of Georgia;

c) follows the instructions of the Chairperson of the court and the Chairperson of the court hearing, as well as the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, relating to the maintenance of order;

d) guards the administrative buildings of the court and the High Council of Justice of Georgia;

e) checks the readiness of the courtroom for the commencement of court proceedings, and, upon the judge’s instruction, ensures the transfer and protection of the criminal case and material evidence in the courtroom;

f) prevents an offence in the court, as well as in the High Council of Justice of Georgia, identifies the offender, if necessary detains him/her for the purpose of handing him/her over to the police, and draws up a detention report on this matter, the form of which is approved by the High Council of Justice of Georgia;

g) exercises other powers provided for by the legislation of Georgia.

2. In the performance of official duties, a court bailiff has the right to:

a) use physical force, special means and weapons in the cases provided for by law and in the established manner;

b) if necessary, apply to the police for assistance.

Article 62. Cases and procedure for the use of physical force, special means and weapons by a court bailiff🔗

1. A court bailiff has the right to use physical force, special means and weapons only in the case where, by the use of other, relatively milder measures, it is impossible to perform his official duties.

2. A court bailiff has the right to use physical force and special means, taking into account the condition established by paragraph 1 of this Article, in the following cases:

a) when suppressing an offence and detaining an offender;

b) when repelling an attack on a judge, a participant in court proceedings, a witness and a person present in court;

c) when physical resistance is offered to him during the exercise of his official powers;

d) when presenting a detainee to the police, when there are sufficient grounds to assume that the detainee will hide or cause harm to those around him.

3. A court bailiff is entitled to use a weapon in the following cases:

a) when repelling an armed attack or when armed resistance is offered to him;

b) in the case of an armed attack on a judge, a participant in court proceedings, a witness or a person present in court.

4. A court bailiff is obliged, during the use of physical force, special means and weapons:

a) to warn the person about the use of physical force, special means and weapons, to give him sufficient time to comply with his demands, except in the case where the delay will create a threat to the life and health of the court bailiff or other persons or other grave consequences, or where prior warning is impossible;

b) to use physical force, special means and weapons in accordance with the nature of the threat, taking into account that the harm caused be minimal;

c) in any case of the use of physical force, special means and weapons, within 24 hours after their use, to notify thereof in writing to the chairperson of the court (the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia);

d) when using physical force, special means and weapons, not to create a threat to the life and health of those around.

5. It is prohibited to use physical force, special means and weapons against a pregnant woman, a person with disabilities and a minor. Against them, the use of physical force and special means is permissible only in the case where, by the action of the pregnant woman, the person with disabilities or the minor, an obvious threat is created to the life and health of the court bailiff or other persons. Against a pregnant woman, a person with disabilities and a minor, the use of a weapon is permissible only when they offer armed resistance or in the case of an armed attack.

Article 63. Conference of Judges of Georgia🔗

1. The Conference of Judges of Georgia is a self-governing body of judges of the common courts of Georgia. The Conference of Judges of Georgia consists of judges of the Supreme Court, the appellate and district (city) courts.

2. The Conference of Judges of Georgia protects and strengthens the independence of the judiciary, promotes the strengthening of the people's trust in and confidence in the courts, and the enhancement of the authority of judges.

3. In its activities, the Conference of Judges of Georgia is guided by the Constitution of Georgia and legislation, the Charter and the Rules of Procedure of the Conference of Judges of Georgia. The Charter and the Rules of Procedure of the Conference of Judges of Georgia, which determine the basic principles of its activities, shall be approved by the Conference of Judges of Georgia, upon the submission of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, by a majority of the full composition.

Article 64. Organisational structure of the Conference of Judges of Georgia🔗

1. Within the system of the Conference of Judges of Georgia, for the purpose of facilitating the performance of the functions defined by Article 63 of this Law, an administrative committee shall be established.

2. The administrative committee of the Conference of Judges of Georgia shall consist of 9 members. The administrative committee is entitled to adopt decisions and to develop acts on matters of administration of the common courts of Georgia; the acts shall be submitted to the Conference of Judges of Georgia for approval.

3. The composition of the administrative committee shall be elected by the Conference of Judges of Georgia for a term of 4 years. The chairperson of the administrative committee shall be elected by the members of the committee for the term of his/her powers as a member of the committee.

Organic Law of Georgia of 1 May 2013 No. 580 – website, 20.05.2013.

Organic Law of Georgia of 26 June 2025 No. 827 – website, 27.06.2025.

Organic Law of Georgia of 17 December 2025 No. 1252 – website, 18.12.2025.

Article 65. Powers of the Conference of Judges of Georgia🔗

1. The Conference of Judges of Georgia:

a) by a 2/3 majority of the members present at its session elects:

a.a) the Chairperson and members of the Administrative Committee;

a.b) the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia and other members of the Council;

a.c) the judge members of the Disciplinary Collegium of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia;

b) approves the Charter and Rules of Procedure of the Conference of Judges of Georgia;

c) hears the annual reports of the Chairperson of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, and the Chairperson of the Department of Common Courts on the work of these bodies;

d) exercises other powers provided for by law, the Charter and Rules of Procedure of the Conference of Judges of Georgia;

e) upon the recommendation of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, adopts the rules of judicial ethics, and also approves the Statute of the Judicial Ethics Council and, on the basis of the Statute of the Judicial Ethics Council, elects the members of the Judicial Ethics Council.

2. During the holding of the elections provided for by subparagraph “a” of paragraph 1 of this Article, any judge present at the Conference of Judges of Georgia has the right to nominate a candidate.

3. The Conference of Judges of Georgia shall separately elect candidates for membership of the High Council of Justice of Georgia to the position of that judge member of the Council who, in accordance with paragraph 4 of Article 47 of this Law, has the right, together with the position of a member of the Council, to hold the position of chairperson of a court, his first deputy or deputy, or chairperson of a judicial collegium or chamber, and shall separately elect candidates for membership of the High Council of Justice of Georgia to the position of that judge member of the Council who does not have the right to combine any of the above positions. A candidate shall have the right, before the vote, to address the Conference of Judges of Georgia and present his vision and opinion on issues related to the exercise by him of the powers of a member of the Council in the event of his election as a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia. A person who holds the position of a member of the Disciplinary Chamber or Qualification Chamber of the Supreme Court, or the position of chairperson of a court, his first deputy or deputy, chairperson of a judicial collegium or chamber, and is a candidate for the position of that member of the Council who does not have the right to combine any of the above positions, in the event of election as a member of the Council, shall have his powers to hold a position incompatible with the position of a member of the Council terminated. If the number of persons wishing to be elected to the position of that member of the Council who has the right to combine the position of chairperson of a court, his first deputy or deputy, or chairperson of a judicial collegium or chamber is less than the number of persons to be elected, or if, as a result of the vote, the required number of votes was received by fewer persons than the number of persons to be elected, a person who does not hold the position of chairperson of a court, his first deputy or deputy, or chairperson of a judicial collegium or chamber may be elected to the vacant position.

4. If, when exercising the power provided for by subparagraph „a“ of paragraph 1 of this Article by the Conference of Judges of Georgia, more candidates than the number to be elected received the required number of votes, the number of candidates with the best results that is necessary to fill the vacant places shall be considered elected. In the event that 2 or more candidates receive an equal number of votes, these candidates shall be voted on again. The candidate among them with the best result who receives not less than 1/4 of the votes of the full composition of the Conference of Judges of Georgia shall be considered elected.

5. If, in the exercise of the authority provided for by subparagraph „a“ of paragraph 1 of this Article, the required number of votes is received by fewer candidates than the number to be elected, the candidates who failed to receive the required number of votes shall be voted on again. The number of candidates with the best results that is necessary to fill the vacant positions shall be considered elected. At the same time, the number of votes received by a candidate shall not be less than 1/4 of the votes of the full composition of the Conference of Judges of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 580 of 1 May 2013 – website, 20.05.2013.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2647 of 1 August 2014 – website, 18.08.2014.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 255 of 8 February 2017 – website, 13.02.2017.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10.08.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3129 of 13 June 2023 – website, 27.06.2023.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 66. Rules of operation of the Conference of Judges of Georgia🔗

1. The Conference of Judges of Georgia shall, as a rule, be convened once a year. An extraordinary conference shall be convened on the initiative of the Administrative Committee or upon the written request of one fifth of the judges of the common courts of Georgia. The convening of an extraordinary conference shall be mandatory when, in accordance with law, a judge member/judge members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, a judge member/judge members of the Disciplinary Collegium of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia, or a member/members of the Administrative Committee is/are to be elected. An extraordinary sitting of the Conference of Judges of Georgia shall be held only with a defined agenda and shall be closed immediately upon its exhaustion. The agenda of a sitting of the Conference of Judges of Georgia shall be published on the website of the High Council of Justice of Georgia no later than 5 calendar days before the sitting.

2. A sitting of the Conference of Judges of Georgia shall be open. The Conference of Judges of Georgia shall be authorised to consider an issue and adopt a decision if more than half of the judges of the common courts of Georgia attend its sitting. In the cases provided for by subparagraph „a“ of paragraph 1 of Article 65 of this Law, the Conference of Judges of Georgia shall adopt a decision by secret ballot. In all other cases, a decision shall be adopted by open ballot, by a majority of the votes of the members attending the sitting.

3. Other issues related to the activities of the Conference of Judges of Georgia and of its structural units defined by this Law shall be determined by the rules of procedure of the Conference and by the regulations of the said structural units.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 580 of 1 May 2013 – website, 20.05.2013

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1252 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18.12.2025

Article 66¹. Status, purpose and functions of the High School of Justice🔗

1. The High School of Justice (hereinafter – the School), as a legal entity of public law, is established on the basis of this Law.

2. The purpose of the School is the professional training of a person to be appointed as a judge in the system of common courts of Georgia – a justice trainee. The aim of the School is to ensure the deepening of the theoretical knowledge of the justice trainee and the development of the skills necessary for practical work for him/her, as well as the justice trainee's awareness of future responsibility and of the freedom of action within the limits established by law, and to facilitate the gradual integration of the justice trainee into the social environment in which he/she, as a judge, will have to carry out activities in the future.

3. The purpose of the School is also the retraining of acting judges for their professional development, as well as the training and retraining of a candidate for the position of assistant to a judge and of other specialists in order to staff the system of common courts of Georgia with highly qualified specialists.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66². Management of the School🔗

The management bodies of the School are: the Independent Board of the School and the Directorate of the School.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66³. Rules of Formation and Powers of the School's Independent Board🔗

1. The School's Independent Board (hereinafter – the Independent Board) determines the directions of the School's activities, coordinates them and supervises their implementation. The Independent Board shall consist of 7 members.

2. A member of the Independent Board may be a citizen of Georgia who has higher education and sufficient qualification and professional experience to perform the functions of a member of the Independent Board established by this Law.

3. The Chairperson of the Supreme Court may not be a member of the Independent Board.

4. 3 members of the Independent Board shall be elected for a term of 4 years by the Conference of Judges of Georgia in accordance with the procedure established by the Rules of Procedure of the Conference. 2 members of the Independent Board (1 judge member and 1 non-judge member) shall be elected by the High Council of Justice of Georgia from its own composition for the term of their office as members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia. The remaining 2 members of the Independent Board shall be elected by the High Council of Justice of Georgia for a term of 4 years, in accordance with the criteria defined by paragraph 2 of this Article, upon the nomination of at least 3 members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

5. The Chairperson of the Independent Board shall be elected by the High Council of Justice of Georgia from among the members of the Independent Board elected by the Conference of Judges of Georgia, for the term of his/her office as a member of the Independent Board.

6. The Independent Board shall elect deputy chairpersons of the Independent Board from its composition. The number of deputy chairpersons of the Independent Board shall be determined by the Independent Board.

7. The Independent Board:

a) develops and approves the School's Charter;

b) develops and approves the rules for drafting the School's budget;

c) adopts a reasoned decision on the enrollment of a person in the School as a student of justice and on the expulsion of a student of justice from the School;

d) hears the annual report of the School's Director on the School's work;

e) upon the nomination of the School's Director:

e.a) approves the School's internal regulations;

e.b) approves and, in accordance with the legislation of Georgia, submits the School's budget;

e.c) approves the School's staffing schedule;

e.d) approves the payroll fund and the amount of remuneration, the amount of the state scholarship of a student of justice;

e.e) elects the School's deputy directors and the internship supervisor;

e.f) approves the study (theoretical course and seminar work), internship and retraining programs;

e.g) approves the programs of the theoretical course and the School's final exams, and the composition of the School's final exam commission;

e.h) approves the qualification list of students of justice;

f) exercises other powers provided for by this Law and the School's Charter.

8. For the effective exercise of the powers of a member of the Independent Council, the Independent Council may grant supplements to a judge member of the Independent Council, as well as to that non-judge member of the Independent Council who is at the same time a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia. Other non-judge members of the Independent Council shall be paid remuneration for the performance of their duties in the amount of the official salary of a judge of the Court of Appeals. The measures provided for by this paragraph shall be financed from the budgetary allocations allocated to the school.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025

Organic Law of Georgia No. 921 of 2 July 2025 – website, 02.07.2025

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1252 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18.12.2025

Article 66⁴. Release of a member of the Independent Council from the exercise of his/her powers🔗

1. The grounds for releasing a member of the Independent Council from the exercise of his/her powers shall be:

a) a personal application;

b) release from the position which he/she held at the time of being elected as a member of the Independent Council;

c) failure to exercise his/her powers for a continuous period of more than 6 months;

d) recognition by a court as a person with limited legal capacity or as missing, declaration as deceased, or recognition as a recipient of support, unless otherwise determined by a court judgment;

e) entry into legal force of a conviction rendered by a court against him/her;

f) loss of Georgian citizenship;

g) expiry of the term of powers;

h) death.

2. The Chairman and a member of the Independent Council shall be released by the High Council of Justice of Georgia on the basis of an application by the Chairman of the Independent Council.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025

Article 66⁵. Meeting of the Independent Board🔗

1. A meeting of the Independent Board shall, as a rule, be convened at least once a year. The meeting of the Independent Board shall be chaired by the Chairperson of the Independent Board, and in his/her absence – by one of the Deputy Chairpersons of the Independent Board upon his/her instruction.

2. Information about the meeting of the Independent Board and the agenda of the meeting shall be published on the school's website before the meeting is held.

3. The meeting of the Independent Board shall be attended by the school principal, who shall enjoy the right of an advisory vote.

4. The meeting of the Independent Board shall be competent if it is attended by a majority of the members of the Independent Board. The Independent Board shall adopt a decision by a majority of the votes of the members present at its meeting. In case of an equal division of votes, the vote of the chairperson of the meeting of the Independent Board shall be decisive.

5. The Independent Board shall adopt a reasoned decision in written form on the matter under consideration. Minutes of the meeting shall be drawn up on the proceedings of the meeting of the Independent Board, which shall be signed by the chairperson of the meeting and the secretary of the meeting.

6. A decision adopted by the Independent Board shall be published on the school's website.

7. The rules for preparing, convening and conducting a meeting of the Independent Board shall be determined by the statute of the Independent Board, which shall be developed and approved by the Independent Board.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025

Article 66⁶. School administration🔗

1. The school administration shall consist of the school principal, his/her deputies and the head of internship. The number of deputies of the school principal shall be determined by the Independent Board.

2. The school principal shall be elected by the Independent Board for a term of 5 years, in the manner established by the school charter.

3. A citizen of Georgia from the age of 25 who has higher legal education and at least 3 years of work experience in the specialty may be elected to the position of school principal. The school charter may establish additional requirements for holding the position of school principal.

4. (Removed – 26.06.2025, No. 827).

5. Deputies of the school principal and the head of internship shall be elected for a term of 5 years. The election of a new principal shall result in the termination of the powers of the deputies of the school principal and the head of internship.

6. The competence and rules of activity of the school administration shall be determined by this Law and the school charter.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025

Organic Law of Georgia No. 921 of 2 July 2025 – website, 02.07.2025

Article 66⁷. Powers of the school director🔗

The school director:

a) represents the school; ensures the functioning of the school and the delivery of the study course for justice listeners and the retraining course;

b) ensures the implementation of the decisions of the independent board;

c) in agreement with the school administration and the teachers' council, submits the study, internship and retraining programmes to the independent board for approval;

d) performs administrative functions in the school building;

e) exercises other powers provided for by this Law and the school charter.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66⁸. Powers of the deputy school director and the head of internship🔗

1. The deputy school director shall ensure the implementation of the study and retraining programmes. His/her powers in the field of the study course (except internship) and retraining shall be determined by this Law and the school charter.

2. The head of internship shall ensure the implementation of the internship programmes. His/her powers in the field of internship shall be determined by this Law and the school charter.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66⁹. Dismissal from office of the school director, the deputy school director and the head of internship🔗

1. The grounds for dismissal from office of the school director, the deputy school director and the head of internship shall be:

a) personal application;

b) gross or systematic violation of the school's internal regulations;

c) violation of the conditions provided for by the school charter;

d) recognition by a court of him/her as a person with limited legal capacity or as a missing person, declaration of him/her as deceased or recognition of him/her as a recipient of support, unless otherwise determined by a court judgment;

e) entry into legal force of a conviction rendered against him/her by a court;

f) loss of Georgian citizenship;

g) expiry of the term of powers;

h) death;

i) other cases provided for by this Law and the school charter.

2. The school director, the deputy school director and the head of internship shall be dismissed from office by the independent board.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66¹⁰. Structure of the school🔗

The structure of the school and the rules of activity of the school's structural units shall be determined by the school charter.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66¹¹. Budget of the school🔗

1. Expenses related to the school's activity shall be provided for in the budget of the common courts as a separate line.

2. In order to perform the functions determined by this Law, the school may, by decision of the independent board, receive financial income or material assistance permitted by the legislation of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66¹². Admission of a person to the school as a justice trainee by way of competition🔗

1. A person shall be admitted to the school as a justice trainee by way of competition.

2. (Removed - 26.06.2025, No. 827).

3. The decision on holding the competition for admission to the school shall be taken by the High Council of Justice of Georgia, taking into account the number of judges in the common court system of Georgia.

4. (Removed - 26.06.2025, No. 827).

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 66¹³. Person participating in the competition for admission to the school🔗

The right to participate in the competition for admission to the school shall be enjoyed by a citizen of Georgia who is legally capable, has no criminal record, knows the state language, has a higher legal education with at least a master's or an academic degree equivalent thereto/higher education diploma and, in accordance with this Law, has passed the judicial qualification exam (hereinafter – the qualification exam), from the passing of which 10 years have not elapsed.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66¹⁴. Holding of the competition for admission to the school🔗

1. The competition for admission to the school shall be held by the school.

2. When selecting a candidate for justice traineeship, the result of the qualification exam shall be taken into account, as well as his/her qualification, legal analysis, reasoning, oral communication and expression skills. The form of the competition for admission to the school, the registration of candidates for justice traineeship and other issues related to the holding of the competition shall be determined by the charter of the school.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66¹⁵. Total number of justice trainees to be admitted to the school🔗

Before the announcement of the competition for admission to the school, the Independent Board, by a reasoned decision, taking into account the funding and infrastructural capabilities of the school, shall determine the total number of justice trainees to be admitted to the school.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 66¹⁶. Status of a justice trainee🔗

A justice trainee is a person who, as a result of passing the competition, has been enrolled in the school for study by a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia. During the period of study at the school, a justice trainee shall be issued a certificate confirming justice traineeship.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66¹⁷. State scholarship of a justice trainee🔗

A justice trainee, while undergoing the study course, shall receive a state scholarship, the amount of which may not be less than 1/3 of the minimum salary of a judge of the court of first instance.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66¹⁸. Disciplinary liability of a Justice trainee🔗

1. A Justice trainee shall be obliged to comply with disciplinary norms.

2. Violation of disciplinary norms by a Justice trainee entails one of the following types of disciplinary liability:

a) warning;

b) reprimand;

c) withholding of the state scholarship for a period of up to 10 days;

d) expulsion from the school.

3. The disciplinary liability of a Justice trainee shall be proportionate to the disciplinary misconduct. The types of disciplinary misconduct and the procedure for conducting disciplinary proceedings shall be determined by this Law and the internal regulations of the school.

4. The issue of the disciplinary liability of a Justice trainee shall be considered and decided by the school directorate.

5. The school directorate shall be entitled to release a Justice trainee from disciplinary liability early if he/she does not commit a new disciplinary misconduct and demonstrates himself/herself as a conscientious Justice trainee.

6. If, within 7 months from the imposition of disciplinary liability, no new disciplinary liability measure is applied to a Justice trainee, he/she shall be considered as having no disciplinary liability.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25 December 2019

Article 66¹⁹. Counting of the period of study at the school towards the length of service in the speciality🔗

The period of study at the school shall be counted towards the length of service in the speciality of a Justice trainee.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25 December 2019

Article 66²⁰. Personal data of a Justice trainee🔗

1. A Justice trainee shall be entitled to access any information and official document about him/her held at the school and to receive copies thereof.

2. A person shall retain the right provided for by paragraph 1 of this Article also after graduating from the school, regardless of whether or not he/she has been appointed to the position of a judge.

3. A Justice trainee shall be entitled to submit to the school a request for the rectification, updating, supplementation or blocking of his/her personal data (including the assessment of the Independent Council), the termination of the processing of such data, their deletion or destruction, if the relevant ground provided for by Articles 15–17 of the Law of Georgia on Personal Data Protection exists.

4. In the case provided for by paragraph 3 of this Article, the submission of a request by a Justice trainee, as well as its consideration and the adoption of a decision, shall be carried out in accordance with the rules established by Articles 15–17 of the Law of Georgia on Personal Data Protection.

5. The school shall be obliged not to disclose, without his/her consent, information and official documents about a Justice trainee by way of transfer, dissemination or otherwise making them available, except for cases provided for by law.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25 December 2019

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3124 of 13 June 2023 – website, 3 July 2023

Article 66²¹. Duration of study at the School🔗

1. The duration of study at the School is 16 months. The full study course includes a theoretical course, an internship and seminar work.

2. For a Justice trainee who has at least 10 years of experience of working as the head of a structural subdivision of the apparatus of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, as the head of the apparatus of a common court or of its structural subdivision, as an assistant to a judge, as a secretary of a court hearing, as an investigator, as a prosecutor and/or as an attorney, the duration of the full study course is 12 months.

3. The duration of the theoretical course, the internship and the seminar work is determined by the charter of the School.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66²². Study programme for the training of a Justice trainee🔗

The study programme for the training of a Justice trainee shall ensure the deepening of theoretical knowledge corresponding to the criteria provided for by Article 35¹ of this Law, and the development of practical skills and qualities. The study programme for the training of a Justice trainee may, in addition to compulsory subjects, provide for elective subjects. The list of subjects shall be approved by the Independent Council upon the submission of the Director of the School.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3129 of 13 June 2023 – website, 27.06.2023.

Article 66²³. Forms of study at the School🔗

1. The forms of study at the School are: a seminar, simulation of a court hearing, a discussion, instruction on the issues of delivering a court judgment and its reasoning, evening study, distance study, as well as other forms approved by the Independent Council upon the submission of the Director of the School. Within the framework of the study programme, short-term business trips of a Justice trainee to a court and a prosecutor's office may be provided for.

2. In the course of the study of a Justice trainee, his/her study and/or internship at an authoritative educational organisation of a foreign country may be provided for.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66²⁴. Teacher of the School, Teachers' Council🔗

1. The teaching of Justice trainees at the School is conducted by the teachers of the School.

2. An employment contract is concluded with a teacher of the School for a fixed term, but not exceeding 2 years.

3. The teachers of the School form the Teachers' Council.

4. Meetings of the Teachers' Council are regularly convened and chaired by the Deputy Director of the School.

5. The powers and the rules of activity of the Teachers' Council are determined by this Law and the charter of the School.

6. For the purpose of teaching Justice trainees at the School, specialists in various fields of law, as well as specialists in auxiliary disciplines, including foreign experts, may be periodically invited, the rules and conditions of whose invitation, activity and remuneration shall be approved by the Independent Council upon the submission of the Director of the School.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66²⁵. Final examination of the theoretical course and the procedure for its conduct🔗

1. At the end of the theoretical course at the School, a Justice trainee shall take an examination, the purpose of which is to assess the theoretical knowledge acquired during the period of study at the School.

2. The composition of the examination commission shall be approved by the Independent Board upon the submission of the Director of the School.

3. The procedure and conditions for conducting the examination, as well as the system for assessing the examination results, shall be determined by the Charter of the School.

4. The Charter of the School shall determine the relevant measures to be taken in the event of failure to pass the examination within the established time limit.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019

Article 66²⁶. Traineeship of a Justice trainee. Forms of traineeship🔗

1. After passing the final examination of the theoretical course, a Justice trainee shall undergo a traineeship.

2. A Justice trainee shall undergo a traineeship in the common courts, as well as in the Constitutional Court of Georgia, the Bar, the Notary, the Prosecutor's Office and/or administrative bodies, the list of which shall be approved by the Independent Board upon the submission of the Director of the School. The issue of a Justice trainee undergoing a traineeship in another body, except for the common courts, shall be decided, taking into account the needs of that Justice trainee, by the Independent Board upon the submission of the Director of the School.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019

Article 66²⁷. Head of traineeship, coordinator of traineeship🔗

1. The Director of the School, upon the submission of the head of traineeship, shall appoint traineeship coordinators in the bodies determined by paragraph 2 of Article 66²⁶ of this Law.

2. A judge, a prosecutor or the head official of an institution may be a traineeship coordinator.

3. The traineeship coordinator:

a) directs and supervises the traineeship of a Justice trainee;

b) at the end of the traineeship, awards a qualification score to each Justice trainee attached to him/her and gives a written recommendation;

c) at the end of the traineeship, submits a report to the head of traineeship on the implementation of the traineeship programme.

4. The types of tasks to be performed by a Justice trainee during the traineeship shall be determined by the traineeship programme.

5. The system for assessing the traineeship and the procedure for awarding a qualification score to a Justice trainee shall be determined by the Charter of the School.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019

Article 66²⁸. Written report and paper completed by a Justice trainee🔗

At the end of the traineeship, a Justice trainee shall draw up a written report on the activities carried out by him/her, and shall also complete a paper on the functioning of the traineeship body, the problems existing in that body and the ways of solving them. The said written report and paper shall be submitted to the head of traineeship, shall be sealed and attached to the personal file of the Justice trainee.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019

Article 66²⁹. Seminar work🔗

1. At the end of the internship, the School conducts seminars for Justice trainees, the purpose of which is to generalise the knowledge and experience acquired by them during the theoretical course and the internship, as well as to prepare Justice trainees for the School's final examination.

2. The seminars are conducted by the School's teachers or invited specialists.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66³⁰. School final examination🔗

1. At the end of studies at the School, a Justice trainee takes the School's final examination, the purpose of which is to assess the theoretical knowledge and practical experience acquired by the Justice trainee.

2. The School's final examination is conducted in written form. The Justice trainee is given a specific case from court practice and is required to draft procedural documents on it.

3. The School's final examination is conducted by a commission, the composition of which is approved by the Independent Council upon the submission of the School's Director.

4. (Removed – 26.06.2025, No. 827).

5. (Removed – 26.06.2025, No. 827).

6. The rules and conditions for conducting the School's final examination, as well as the system for assessing the examination results, are determined by the School's charter.

7. The School's charter determines the relevant measures to be implemented in the event of failure to pass the School's final examination within the established period.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 66³¹. Compilation of the qualification list of Justice trainees🔗

1. Within 1 month after the completion of the School's final examination, the School's Director submits the qualification list of Justice trainees to the Independent Council for approval.

2. A Justice trainee is notified of his/her serial number in the qualification list of Justice trainees.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66³². Criteria for compiling the qualification list🔗

1. When compiling the qualification list, the following obtained by the Justice trainee are summed up by coefficient:

a) the points received upon passing the qualification examination;

b) the points received upon passing the final examination of the theoretical course;

c) the points received during the internship;

d) the points received upon passing the School's final examination.

2. The total points accumulated by the Justice trainee shall be calculated in accordance with the procedure established by the School's charter.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66³³. Assessment of the Independent Council🔗

1. When selecting a candidate for judgeship, the ordinal number of the justice trainee in the qualification list of justice trainees shall be taken into account, as well as the assessment of the Independent Council. The assessment of the Independent Council includes:

a) assessment of the results of the final examination of the theoretical course;

b) assessment of the results of completing the internship;

c) assessment of the results of seminar work;

d) assessment of the results of the school final examination;

e) assessment of the internship supervisor;

f) assessment of the school teachers;

g) assessment of the written report drawn up by the justice trainee during the internship and of the completed work;

h) assessment of the discipline of the justice trainee.

2. The Independent Council shall draw up the assessment in accordance with the assessment criteria established by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

3. 1 copy of the assessment of the Independent Council shall be handed over to the justice trainee.

Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66³⁴. Document certifying completion of the school's study course🔗

1. After approval of the qualification list of justice trainees, a document certifying completion of the school's study course shall be issued to the justice trainee included in this list, which shall state that he/she has completed the full study course of the school and is included in the qualification list of justice trainees.

2. The form of the document provided for by paragraph 1 of this article shall be approved by the Independent Council in accordance with the procedure established by the school charter.

Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66³⁵. Purpose of retraining🔗

1. The school shall annually develop and implement retraining programmes.

2. The purpose of retraining is to enhance the qualification of a person entitled to participate in retraining in accordance with this Law, by way of familiarisation with legislative and other legal and scientific novelties, adaptation to new social and legal realities, and generalisation and sharing of practical experience, including the practice of judicial activity existing in foreign countries.

Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66³⁶. Forms and Programme of Retraining🔗

1. Retraining is carried out by holding various types of seminars, training courses and conferences, theoretical and practical classes, as well as by organising discussions.

2. The retraining process is conducted by school teachers.

3. For the purpose of retraining, specialists in various fields of law, as well as specialists in auxiliary disciplines, including foreign experts, may be invited, the rules and conditions for whose invitation, activity and remuneration are determined by the school's charter.

4. The programme of measures to be implemented within the framework of the retraining course is drawn up by the deputy director of the school in agreement with the teachers' council and submitted to the school director, who reviews this programme and submits it for approval to the independent council in October of each year.

5. When drawing up the retraining programme, the school applies for a recommendation to the chairpersons of the courts of first instance, appellate instance and cassation instance.

6. In accordance with this Law, the improvement of the qualifications of a person entitled to participate in retraining may be carried out through study and/or internship in reputable educational organisations of foreign countries.

Law of Georgia of 13 December 2019 No. 5569 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66³⁷. Right of an acting judge to retraining🔗

1. After the publication of the annual programme of retraining measures, a person wishing to undergo retraining applies to the school administration with an application in order to participate in the planned measure. The application shall indicate why the candidate is interested specifically in participating in this measure.

2. The school administration shall be obliged to consider the application of the person wishing to undergo retraining and to reply to this application within the period established by the legislation of Georgia, but not later than 2 weeks before the start of the retraining measure.

3. The school administration's refusal of participation in retraining shall be substantiated.

4. The rules and conditions for conducting the retraining course and for participation in this course are determined by the school's charter.

Law of Georgia of 13 December 2019 No. 5569 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 66³⁸. Improvement of the qualifications of an acting judge🔗

The programme for improving the qualifications of an acting judge shall correspond to his/her needs. The mandatory component of the programme for improving a judge's qualifications shall, as a rule, be the teaching of human rights law, including the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.

Law of Georgia of 13 December 2019 No. 5569 – website, 25.12.2019.

Law of Georgia of 18 October 2022 No. 1913 – website, 24.10.2022.

Law of Georgia of 26 June 2025 No. 827 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 66³⁹. Participation of a prosecutor, an advocate and another person in a retraining measure🔗

The procedure for admitting a prosecutor, an advocate and another person to participation in a measure to be carried out within the framework of a retraining course shall be determined by the Charter of the School.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019

Article 66⁴⁰. Participation of representatives of a foreign country in a special training course🔗

1. A special training course may be established for judges of a foreign country, civil servants of the judicial system and other representatives of the legal field.

2. The programme of the special training course shall be approved by the Independent Council upon the recommendation of the Director of the School.

3. The special training course shall be conducted in the relevant foreign language.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019

Article 66⁴¹. Study grant🔗

1. The School shall have the right to issue a study grant only to a judge and a civil servant of a court, for the purpose of enhancing their qualifications.

2. The procedure and conditions for issuing a study grant shall be determined by the Independent Council.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019

Article 66⁴². Scientific activity🔗

1. Research institutes may be established on the basis of the School for the analysis and study of the challenges of the judicial system.

2. The School shall, within the scope of its powers, carry out publishing activity.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019

Article 66⁴³. Exemption from studies at the School🔗

A person nominated for election to the position of a judge of the Supreme Court, as well as a former judge who has passed the qualification exam, was appointed by way of competition to the position of a judge in the Supreme Court, a district (city) court or a court of appeal and has at least 18 months' experience of working as a judge, shall be exempted from studies at the School in order to hold the position of a judge. A person who has completed the full study course of the School and is entered in the qualification list of justice trainees shall be exempted from studies at the School in order to hold the position of a judge, regardless of the term for which he held the position of a judge or whether he was appointed to that position after graduating from the School.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019

Article 67. Financing of Common Courts🔗

1. Financing of common courts shall be carried out from the funds of the State Budget of Georgia. Expenses related to the organisation and activities of the Supreme Court shall be provided for under a separate code of the State Budget of Georgia.

1¹. Court mediation programmes operating in district (city) and appellate courts shall be financed from the allocations allocated to the common courts of Georgia from the State Budget of Georgia.

2. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall submit to the Government of Georgia, on the basis of proposals of the Department of Common Courts, the draft of the part of the State Budget of Georgia concerning the financing of the common courts (except the Supreme Court) and the Department of Common Courts. Before the Parliament of Georgia considers the revised version of the draft law on the State Budget, the High Council of Justice of Georgia is entitled to submit to the Parliament of Georgia opinions on the draft of the financing part for the common courts and the Department of Common Courts. The Chairperson of the Supreme Court shall submit to the Government of Georgia the draft of expenses related to the organisation and activities of the Supreme Court in the manner prescribed by law.

3. The reduction of expenses allocated to common courts in the State Budget of Georgia compared to the corresponding volume of the previous year may be made only with the prior consent of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia of 27 March 2012 No. 5920 – website, 19.04.2012.

Organic Law of Georgia of 18 September 2019 No. 4963 – website, 27.09.2019.

Article 68. Legal and social protection of a judge🔗

1. Guarantees of the legal and social protection of a judge shall be determined by the Constitution of Georgia, this Law and the legislation of Georgia.

2. The State shall be obliged, for the purpose of ensuring the independence of a judge, to create dignified living and working conditions for him/her and to protect the safety of the judge and his/her family. If the life and health of a judge are threatened, on the basis of his/her application, by decision of the Prime Minister of Georgia, the relevant bodies of state authority shall, in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia, ensure the protection of the judge and members of his/her family.

3. A judge who, for the exercise of judicial powers, does not have residential accommodation in a self-governing city (municipality) shall be provided by the State with the necessary living space or shall be reimbursed for the expenses necessary for that purpose. The decision on providing residential accommodation to the Chairperson and members of the Supreme Court shall be taken by the Chairperson of the Supreme Court, and the decision on providing residential accommodation to judges of the appellate and district (city) courts – by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

4. A judge enrolled in the reserve of the Defence Forces of Georgia shall not, in the exercise of judicial powers, be subject to conscription for military assembly during mobilisation or a state of war declared in the country.

5. Appointment as a judge shall not result in the termination of a person's membership of a public association. A person who has been appointed as a judge shall terminate membership of a political association.

6. Leave shall be granted to a judge in accordance with the procedure established by Articles 62 and 64 of the Law of Georgia on Public Service.

7. The procedure for reimbursement of the expenses of an official mission for a judge of a common court of Georgia shall be established by the High Council of Justice of Georgia according to the established ranking of officials of analogous positions of the branches of state authority.

Organic Law of Georgia of 2¹ July 2010 No. 3523 - LHG I, No. 46, 04.08.2010, Art. 286

Organic Law of Georgia of 22 March 2011 No. 4461 - website, 01.04.2011

Organic Law of Georgia of 1 November 2013 No. 1489 - website, 13.11.2013

Organic Law of Georgia of 7 March 2018 No. 2034 - website, 29.03.2018

Law of Georgia of 31 October 2018 No. 3623 – website, 21.11.2018

Organic Law of Georgia of 21 September 2023 No. 3545 – website, 12.10.2023

Organic Law of Georgia of 17 December 2025 No. 1252 – website, 18.12.2025

Article 69. Remuneration of a Judge's Work🔗

1. The remuneration of a judge's work consists of the official salary and a supplement.

2. The amount of the monthly official salary rate of a judge shall be determined by multiplying the base official salary established by the Law of Georgia on the State Budget for the respective year by the following salary coefficient:

a) for the Chairperson of the Supreme Court – 10.00;

b) for the First Deputy Chairperson of the Supreme Court – 9.20;

c) for the Deputy Chairperson of the Supreme Court – 9.00;

d) for a judge of the Supreme Court who does not hold an administrative position in the Supreme Court as defined by subparagraphs „a“−„c“ of this paragraph – 8.50;

e) for the Chairperson of the Court of Appeal – 8.40;

e¹) for the First Deputy Chairperson of the Court of Appeal – 8.35;

f) for the Deputy Chairperson of the Court of Appeal – 8.30;

g) for the Chairperson of a Chamber (Collegium) of the Court of Appeal – 8.20;

h) for a judge of the Court of Appeal who does not hold an administrative position in the Court of Appeal as defined by subparagraphs „e“−„g“ of this paragraph – 8.10;

i) for the Chairperson of a district (city) court – 8.00;

i¹) for the First Deputy Chairperson of a district (city) court – 7.80;

j) for the Deputy Chairperson of a district (city) court – 7.70;

k) for the Chairperson of a Collegium of a district (city) court − 7.50;

l) for a judge/magistrate judge of a district (city) court who does not hold an administrative position in the district (city) court as defined by subparagraphs „i“−„k“ of this paragraph – 7.20.

3. The remuneration of a judge seconded to another court in accordance with this Law shall be determined in the amount of the official salary of a judge of the respective court, if the said amount of the official salary exceeds the amount of the official salary of the judge in the court to which he/she is appointed in accordance with the procedure established by law.

4. It shall be inadmissible to reduce a judge's official salary throughout the entire term of his/her powers.

5. Material benefits of a judge shall be determined by the legislation of Georgia.

6. The supplement to the official salary of a judge (except for a judge of the Supreme Court) shall be determined by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

7. The amount of the supplement to the official salary of a judge of the Supreme Court shall be determined by the Plenum of the Supreme Court.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10.08.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1252 of 17 December 2025 – website, 18.12.2025.

Article 70. Rule for granting state compensation to a judge of the common courts of Georgia🔗

1. A judge of the Supreme Court shall, upon expiry of the term of his/her powers or upon reaching retirement age, be granted state compensation in the amount of GEL 1200.

2. A judge of the common courts of Georgia (except a judge of the Supreme Court) who was appointed to the position of judge in accordance with Article 35 of this Law shall be granted state compensation in the manner and amount established by the Law of Georgia “On State Compensation and State Academic Scholarship”.

Article 71. Assistance in the event of the death, mutilation of a judge or recognition as a person with the status of a person with disabilities🔗

1. In the performance of official duties related to the exercise of his/her judicial powers, in the event of the death of a judge, his/her family shall be paid a one-time compensation in the amount of GEL 25,000 from the State Budget of Georgia.

2. In the performance of official duties related to the exercise of his/her judicial powers, in the event of bodily injury to a judge or other deterioration of his/her health condition, as a result of which he/she was recognised as a person with the status of a person with disabilities, or in the event of mutilation, he/she shall be paid a one-time compensation in the amount of GEL 10,000.

3. In the event of the death of a judge, a member (members) of his/her family shall be granted state compensation in the manner and amount established by the Law of Georgia “On State Compensation and State Academic Scholarship”.

Article 72. Insurance of a judge🔗

1. Insurance of the life and health of a judge shall be mandatory. Insurance of the Chairperson and members of the Supreme Court shall be effected from the budget of the Supreme Court, and that of judges of the appellate and district (city) courts – from the budget of the common courts.

2. Mandatory insurance of the Chairperson and members of the Supreme Court shall be effected by a contract concluded between the Supreme Court and a licensed insurance organisation in the manner established by the legislation of Georgia or by means of a voucher. Mandatory insurance of judges of the appellate and district (city) courts shall be effected by a contract concluded between the Department of Common Courts and a licensed insurance organisation in the manner established by the legislation of Georgia or by means of a voucher.

Article 72¹. Inadmissibility of communication with a judge🔗

1. From the moment a case is brought before a court until the court judgment delivered in that case enters into legal force, as well as at the stage of investigation of a criminal case, communication with a judge by a participant in the proceedings, an interested person, a public servant, a state servant, a state-political official and a political official, or by any other person, which is related to the consideration of a specific case or issue and/or to the likely outcome of the case and which violates the principles of independence and impartiality of the court/judge and of adversariness of court proceedings, or which constitutes an attempt to exert influence on a judge or on the independence of the judicial system in general, shall be prohibited.

2. The liability provided for by this Chapter shall not arise for an act which contains the elements of a crime provided for by the Criminal Code of Georgia.

3. Communication with a judge for the purpose of his/her official business trip and/or his/her involvement as a participant/expert in a training/professional development programme, or in connection with any other issue directly or indirectly related to the process of administration of justice/judicial authority (special communication), shall be permissible in agreement with the High Council of Justice of Georgia, in accordance with the procedure established by Article 72¹² of this Law.

Organic Law of Georgia of 21 July 2018 No. 3262 – website, 10.08.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia of 30 November 2018 No. 3796 – website, 13.12.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia of 26 June 2025 No. 827 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 72². Responsibility of a Judge (Chairperson of a Court)🔗

1. In the event of communication with a judge by a participant in the proceedings, an interested person, a public servant, a state servant, a person holding a state-political office, a person holding a political office, or any other person, as provided for by paragraph 1 of Article 72¹ of this Law, the judge shall be obliged to notify the chairperson of the court or a judge authorised by them thereof immediately, in writing. If the communication was effected with the chairperson of the court, the chairperson of the court shall notify the chairperson of the court of the superior instance or a judge authorised by them thereof immediately, in writing. If the communication was effected with a judge of the Supreme Court, they shall notify the first deputy chairperson of the Supreme Court or a deputy authorised by the chairperson of the Supreme Court thereof immediately, in writing. If the communication was effected with the chairperson of the Supreme Court, they shall notify the High Council of Justice of Georgia thereof immediately, in writing.

2. A judge having the authority to consider a written notification on communication with a judge, as well as, in the cases provided for by this Chapter, the High Council of Justice of Georgia, shall be entitled, in the event of communication with a judge as provided for by paragraph 1 of Article 72¹ of this Law, to apply the following measures in respect of a participant in the proceedings, an interested person, a public servant, a state servant, a person holding a state-political office, a person holding a political office, or any other person:

a) to adopt a decision on imposing a fine on them;

b) in the case of a public servant – to raise before the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia the question of imposing disciplinary liability on them.

3. Violation by a judge (chairperson of a court) of the requirements defined by paragraph 1 of Article 72¹ of this Law and by paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article shall result in the imposition of the disciplinary liability provided for by Chapter XIII¹ of this Law in accordance with the procedure established by the same Law.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10,08,2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3796 of 30 November 2018 – website, 13.12.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 72³. Responsibility of an employee of the prosecutor's office🔗

Violation by an employee of the prosecutor's office of the requirement defined by Article 72¹ of this Law shall be regarded as conduct incompatible with the position of an employee of the prosecutor's office and shall entail the disciplinary liability and the fine provided for by the Organic Law of Georgia "On the Prosecutor's Office" in accordance with the procedure established by this Chapter.

Organic Law of Georgia of 21 July 2018 No. 3262 – website, 10,08,2018.

Organic Law of Georgia of 30 November 2018 No. 3796 – website, 13.12.2018.

Article 72⁴. Responsibility of a lawyer🔗

Violation by a lawyer of the requirement defined by Article 72¹ of this Law shall be considered a violation of the norms of professional ethics of lawyers and shall result in the imposition of disciplinary liability provided for by the Law of Georgia "On Lawyers" and in a fine imposed in accordance with the procedure established by this Chapter.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10.08.2018

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3796 of 30 November 2018 – website, 13.12.2018

Article 72⁵. Responsibility of an investigator🔗

Violation by an investigator of the requirement defined by Article 72¹ of this Law shall result in the imposition of disciplinary liability provided for by the legislation of Georgia and in a fine imposed in accordance with the procedure established by this Chapter.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10.08.2018

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3796 of 30 November 2018 – website, 13.12.2018

Article 72⁶. Responsibility of a public servant, a state servant, a state-political official, a political official🔗

Violation by a public servant, a state servant, a state-political official or a political official of the requirement defined by Article 72¹ of this Law shall result in a fine imposed in accordance with the procedure established by this Chapter, and in the case of a public servant – also in the imposition of disciplinary liability provided for by the legislation of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10.08.2018

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3796 of 30 November 2018 – website, 13.12.2018

Article 72⁷. Fining of a participant in proceedings, an interested person, a public servant, a state servant, a state-political official, a political official or any other person🔗

1. Violation by a participant in proceedings, an interested person, a public servant or any other person of the requirement defined by this Chapter −

shall result in a fine of not more than GEL 5,000.

2. Violation by a state servant, a state-political official or a political official of the requirement defined by this Chapter −

shall result in a fine of not more than GEL 10,000.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10.08.2018

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3796 of 30 November 2018 – website, 13.12.2018

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025

Article 72⁸. Consideration of the fact of communication with a judge in a prohibited form🔗

1. The authorized judge shall consider the written notification on communication with a judge provided for by paragraph 1 of Article 72¹ of this Law within 14 days from its receipt and shall take a decision on imposing a fine on a participant in the proceedings, an interested person, a public servant, a state servant, a state-political official, a political official, any other person, and in the case of a public servant – a decision on raising before the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia the question of imposing disciplinary liability on the public servant.

2. The person who, according to the written notification, had communication with a judge as provided for by paragraph 1 of Article 72¹ of this Law, his/her lawyer (legal representative), as well as the author of the written notification on communication with a judge, have the right to participate in the consideration of the written notification on communication with a judge. The judge authorized to consider the written notification on communication with a judge has the right to summon and question a person whose testimony is of substantial importance for the consideration of the written notification, and to propose to the parties that they submit the documents and other evidence necessary for verifying the information indicated in the written notification. The judge authorized to consider the written notification on communication with a judge as provided for by paragraph 1 of Article 72¹ of this Law may hold an oral hearing with the participation of the parties. The non-appearance of the parties does not impede the consideration of the written notification on communication with a judge. If the parties participate in the oral hearing, they have the right to give explanations to the judge authorized to consider the notification and to formulate their opinions. The order on imposing a fine shall be reasoned and shall contain an indication of the violation of the requirements determined by this Chapter and of the circumstances by which the fact of the commission of the said violation is confirmed. The order on imposing a fine shall be sent immediately to the parties and to the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

3. The Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall consider the written notification on communication with a judge in a prohibited form within 1 month from its receipt.

4. In the event of violation of the requirements determined by this Chapter, the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia is authorized to:

a) apply, by way of a submission, to the relevant official provided for by paragraphs 1–4 of Article 72⁹ of this Law for the purpose of appropriate response;

b) send the materials of the presented case, according to jurisdiction, to the relevant investigative bodies, if, as a result of consideration of these materials, he/she concludes that the act may contain signs of a crime provided for by the Criminal Code of Georgia.

5. If the judge authorised to consider a written notification on communication with a judge fails, within the time limit established by paragraph 1 of this Article, to consider the written notification on communication with a judge provided for by paragraph 1 of Article 72¹ of this Law, the judge who is the author of the written notification shall be entitled to apply to the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

6. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall consider a written notification on communication with a judge provided for by paragraph 1 of Article 72¹ of this Law within 1 month of its receipt and shall adopt a decision on imposing a fine on a participant in the proceedings, an interested person, a public servant, a state servant, a state-political official, a political official, or any other person, and in the case of a public servant – a decision on applying to the respective official provided for by paragraphs 1–4 of Article 72⁹ of this Law for an appropriate response to the issue of imposing disciplinary liability on the public servant. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall consider a written notification on communication with a judge provided for by paragraph 1 of Article 72¹ of this Law in accordance with the procedure established by paragraph 2 of this Article.

7. If the judge authorised to consider a written notification on communication with a judge provided for by paragraph 1 of Article 72¹ of this Law, or the High Council of Justice of Georgia, as a result of considering the submitted case materials, concludes that the act may contain elements of a crime provided for by the Criminal Code of Georgia, it shall send the case materials, according to jurisdiction, to the respective investigative bodies.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10,08,2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3796 of 30 November 2018 – website, 13.12.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 72⁹. Submission of the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia on communication with a judge in a prohibited form🔗

1. In the event of a violation by an employee of the prosecutor's office of the requirements of this Chapter, the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, for the purpose of response, shall apply with a submission and send the relevant materials to the Prosecutor General of Georgia.

2. In the event of a violation by an advocate of the requirements defined by this Chapter, the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, for the purpose of response, shall apply with a submission and send the relevant materials to the Chairperson of the Georgian Bar Association.

3. In the event of a violation by an investigator of the requirements defined by this Chapter, the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, for the purpose of response, shall apply with a submission and send the materials to the relevant official.

4. In the event of a violation by a public servant of the requirements defined by this Chapter, the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, for the purpose of response, shall apply with a submission and send the materials to the relevant authorized body or official.

5. The officials provided for by paragraphs 1–4 of this Article shall consider the submission of the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia within 1 month from its receipt and shall notify the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia of the decision taken. Failure to fulfil this obligation shall be considered a decision to refuse to impose disciplinary liability.

6. The Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be entitled to appeal the decision to refuse to impose disciplinary liability in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia for appealing an individual administrative-legal act.

Organic Law of Georgia of 21 July 2018 No. 3262 – website, 10.08.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia of 30 November 2018 No. 3796 – website, 13.12.2018.

Article 72¹⁰. Appeal against an order on the imposition of a fine🔗

1. An order of a judge authorised to consider a written notification on communication with a judge as provided for by paragraph 1 of Article 72¹ of this Law, concerning the imposition of a fine on a participant in the proceedings, an interested person, a public servant, a state servant, a person holding a state-political office, a person holding a political office or any other person, may be appealed once, within 3 days, by the person on whom the fine was imposed, or by his/her lawyer (legal representative), as well as by the judge with whom, according to his/her notification, the communication provided for by paragraph 1 of Article 72¹ of this Law was carried out, to the chairperson of the court of higher instance or to a judge authorised by him/her, while an order of the Deputy Chairperson of the Supreme Court – to the Chairperson of the Supreme Court.

2. When considering the appeal, the person considering the appeal shall verify whether the judge authorised to consider a written notification on communication with a judge complied, when issuing the order on the imposition of a fine, with the requirements defined by Article 72⁸ of this Law.

3. The person considering the appeal shall consider the appeal within 7 days and shall adopt one of the following judgments:

a) to leave the appealed order in force and to refuse to grant the appeal;

b) to annul or amend the appealed order, or to grant the appeal in full or in part.

4. Copies of the decision issued as a result of the consideration of the appeal shall be handed to the parties and sent to the High Council of Justice of Georgia. This decision shall be final and shall not be subject to appeal.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10.08.2018

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3796 of 30 November 2018 – website, 13.12.2018

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025

Article 72¹¹. Publicity of information on communication with judges of the common courts of Georgia🔗

1. A judge authorized to consider a written notice on communication with a judge provided for by paragraph 1 of Article 72¹ of this Law shall be obliged to immediately provide the order on fining, as well as any other statistical information on the application of this Chapter, to the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

2. Information on communication with a judge provided for by paragraph 1 of Article 72¹ of this Law is public, except for information on the identity of the judge with whom the communication was carried out, and information on the case in respect of which the communication was carried out.

3. In order to ensure the publicity of information on communication with judges of the common courts of Georgia provided for by paragraph 1 of Article 72¹ of this Law, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall, in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia, maintain a unified database of statistical information on the application of this Chapter, which also contains information on the identity of persons fined in accordance with the procedure established by this Chapter.“.“.

Organic Law of Georgia of 21 July 2018 No. 3262 – website, 10.08.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia of 30 November 2018 No. 3796 – website, 13.12.2018.

Article 72¹². Special communication with a judge🔗

1. The terms used in this Article have the following meaning:

a) organizer of an event − any entity (natural person, legal person, branch of a legal person, organization, institution, representation of another state, etc.) interested in the participation of a judge in the event organized by it;

b) event − any kind of visit, business meeting, working meeting, conference, training, lecture, seminar and other similar event;

c) special communication with a judge − the conduct of communication by the organizer of the event with the relevant judge for the purpose of the participation of that judge in the event.

2. Special communication with a judge without the involvement of the High Council of Justice of Georgia is prohibited.

3. The organizer of the event shall, within a reasonable time before the holding of the event, notify the High Council of Justice of Georgia about the event. The notification implies the submission to the High Council of Justice of Georgia of the following information about the event:

a) on the essence, purpose and agenda of the event (including indication of the time, duration, periodicity and place of the event);

b) on the identity of the persons participating in the event (except technical personnel) (including indication of their position or other status);

c) on the request for the participation of a judge (judges) in the event, with a description of his (their) role in this event.

4. The issue of the participation of specific judges in the relevant event shall be decided by the High Council of Justice of Georgia. In the event of refusal to give consent to the participation of a judge in the event, an order on the judge's departure on study leave or on a business trip shall not be issued.

5. If the organizer of the event carries out special communication with a judge without applying to the High Council of Justice of Georgia in accordance with the procedure established by this Article, or despite the refusal to give consent, the judge shall be obliged to state to the organizer of the event that communication with him is improper communication and shall immediately notify the High Council of Justice of Georgia about this communication. In such a case, the issue of the participation of this judge in the relevant event shall no longer be considered.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 921 of 2 July 2025 – website, 02.07.2025.

Article 73. Location of the Supreme Court🔗

The location of the Supreme Court is the Palace of Justice of Georgia in the city of Tbilisi.

Article 74. Symbols of judicial power and the procedure for their approval🔗

1. The symbols of judicial power are the official distinguishing insignia of a judge, which shall be developed and approved by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

2. A judge shall participate in the court hearing of a case in special attire and with official distinguishing insignia, which shall be approved by the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

3. A judge shall be issued an identity certificate confirming his/her office, which shall be signed by the Chairperson of the Supreme Court. The identity certificate confirming the office of the Chairperson of the Supreme Court shall be signed by the Chairperson of the Parliament of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1489 of 1 November 2013 – website, 13.11.2013.

Article 75. Court seal🔗

The court seal shall bear the State Coat of Arms of Georgia and the name of the court.

Article 75¹. Grounds for disciplinary liability of a judge and types of disciplinary misconduct🔗

1. A judge shall be subject to disciplinary liability (payable) only if, as a result of disciplinary proceedings conducted in accordance with the procedure established by this Chapter, it is established that the judge has committed a disciplinary misconduct.

2. A judge shall be subject to disciplinary liability only for the commission of a culpable act, that is, only if he/she was objectively able to perform the appropriate act in order to prevent the disciplinary misconduct, but did not perform it.

3. A disciplinary misconduct is only an intentional or negligent act committed by a judge that is provided for by this Law.

4. An act shall be considered an intentional disciplinary misconduct if, at the time of its commission, the judge was aware of the possibility of damage resulting from his/her act.

5. An act shall be considered a negligent disciplinary misconduct if, at the time of its commission, the judge did not foresee the possibility of damage resulting from his/her act, although he/she should have foreseen it and could have foreseen it as well.

6. Incorrect interpretation and/or application of the law by a judge, which is based on his/her inner conviction, is not a disciplinary misconduct, and the judge shall not be subject to disciplinary liability for the said act.

7. An act which formally contains the elements of any act provided for by this Law, but due to its minor significance has not caused such damage as would make disciplinary liability for its commission necessary, or has not created the risk of such damage, shall not be considered a disciplinary misconduct.

8. The following shall be considered a disciplinary misconduct:

a) an act that violates the principle of independence, namely:

a.a) exercise by a judge of judicial powers under personal interest, political or social influence;

a.b) interference by a judge in the activity of another judge for the purpose of influencing the outcome of a case;

b) an act that violates the principle of impartiality, namely:

b.a) public expression of opinion by a judge on a case pending before a court. At the same time, the making of explanations by a judge on organizational and technical issues related to this case for the purpose of informing the public shall not be considered a disciplinary misconduct;

b.b) prior disclosure by a judge of the outcome of a case under consideration, except in cases provided for by the procedural legislation of Georgia;

b.c) violation by a judge of the requirements of paragraph 1 of Article 72¹ or paragraph 1 of Article 72² of this Law;

b.d) refusal by a judge to recuse/self-recuse from a case where there is an obvious ground for recusal of the case provided for by law;

b.e) joining a political association by a judge, his/her carrying out political activity, public support in any form of an electoral subject, or public expression of political views;

b.f) unlawful interference by a judge in the distribution of cases in a court;

b.g) Public expression of opinion by a judge in clear violation of the principle of political neutrality. A judge's scholarly and/or analytical reasoning on judicial reform, on improving the functioning of the justice system and/or on another issue of legal development shall not be considered a clear violation of the principle of political neutrality;

c) an act that violates the principle of good faith, namely:

c.a) commission by a judge of a corruption offence, that is, an offence provided for by Articles 5, 52, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 13⁴, 13⁵ or 20⁴ of the Law of Georgia on Combating Corruption;

c.b) obstruction by a judge of the conduct of disciplinary proceedings;

d) an act that violates the principle of propriety, namely:

d.a) establishment by a judge of a personal and intensive (friendly, family) relationship with a participant in the proceedings in a case directly under his/her consideration, which gives rise to the judge's bias and/or the granting of an advantage to the participant in the proceedings, if he/she had information about the party;

d.b) commission of sexual harassment by a judge;

d.c) disclosure by a judge of the secrecy of the court's deliberations;

e) an act that violates the principle of equality, namely:

e.a) discriminatory act expressed verbally or in any other form by a judge in the exercise of judicial powers against any person on one ground or another;

e.b) leaving without response by a judge of a discriminatory act expressed verbally or in any other form by an employee of the court apparatus or a participant in the court proceedings against another participant in the court proceedings, if the judge is an eyewitness to this fact;

f) an act that violates the principle of competence and diligence, namely:

f.a) material violation by a judge, for an unjustified reason, of a time limit established by the procedural legislation of Georgia. The reason for the material violation of this time limit shall not be considered unjustified if the judge was unable to comply with the said time limit due to objective circumstances directly related to the administration of justice (large number of cases, complexity of the case and others);

f.b) expression by a judge of clear disrespect towards another judge, an employee of the court apparatus or a participant in the court proceedings;

f.c) leaving without response by a judge of the fact of a violation of law and of a possible disciplinary misconduct provided for by this paragraph by another judge, an employee of the court apparatus or a participant in the court proceedings, if the judge is an eyewitness to this fact;

f.d) non-performance or improper performance by a judge of the relevant administrative powers, namely, the duties of the head of a court, a judicial panel or a chamber;

f.e) improper performance by a judge of a duty related to judicial activity;

g) other action of a judge that is incompatible with the high status of a judge (an action (behaviour) incompatible with the high status of a judge, committed in or outside the court, which clearly violates public order or generally recognised moral norms and thereby undermines the authority of the court or damages confidence in the court).

Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018

.

Law of Georgia of 13 December 2019 No. 5569 – website, 25.12.2019.

Law of Georgia of 30 December 2021 No. 1346 – website, 13.01.2022.

Law of Georgia of 30 November 2022 No. 2228 – website, 15.12.2022.

Law of Georgia of 13 June 2023 No. 3129 – website, 27.06.2023.

Law of Georgia of 29 May 2024 No. 4218 – website, 12.06.2024.

Law of Georgia of 26 June 2025 No. 827 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 75². Time limits of disciplinary proceedings🔗

A judge shall not be held disciplinary liable if 3 years have elapsed from the day of commission of the disciplinary misconduct by him until the initiation of disciplinary proceedings in respect of that misconduct, and 1 year from the day of adoption of the decision on holding the judge disciplinary liable.

Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018 .

Law of Georgia of 13 December 2019 No. 5569 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 75³. Disciplinary penalty and measure of disciplinary influence🔗

1. Disciplinary penalties are:

a) remark;

b) reprimand;

c) severe reprimand;

d) deduction of 10 to 50 per cent of salary for not more than 1 year;

e) dismissal from the position of chairperson of a court, first deputy chairperson or deputy chairperson of a court, chairperson of a judicial collegium or chamber;

e¹) inclusion in the relevant programme for the purpose of improving the judge's qualification;

f) dismissal of the judge from the position.

1¹. A remark, a reprimand, a severe reprimand, dismissal of a judge from the position may be applied only as a principal disciplinary penalty.

1². Dismissal from the position of chairperson of a court, first deputy chairperson or deputy chairperson of a court, chairperson of a judicial collegium or chamber, deduction of 10 to 50 per cent of salary, inclusion in the relevant programme for the purpose of improving the judge's qualification may be applied as both a principal and an additional disciplinary penalty.

2. A measure of disciplinary influence is addressing the judge with a private letter of recommendation.

Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018

.

Law of Georgia of 13 December 2019 No. 5569 – website, 25.12.2019.

Law of Georgia of 30 December 2021 No. 1346 – website, 13.01.2022.

Law of Georgia of 26 June 2025 No. 827 – website, 27.06.2025.

Law of Georgia of 2 July 2025 No. 921 – website, 02.07.2025.

Article 75⁴. Confidentiality of disciplinary proceedings🔗

1. The disciplinary proceedings process is confidential. Officials and public servants with the relevant authority shall be obliged to maintain the confidentiality of all information that became known to them during the disciplinary proceedings, except for the cases provided for by this Law.

2. The decision on the termination, suspension or resumption of disciplinary proceedings against a judge, as well as the decision provided for by subparagraph „e“ of paragraph 1 of Article 75⁴¹ of this Law, shall be sent within 5 days of its adoption to the author of the complaint (application) and to the relevant judge.

3. The decision on the initiation of disciplinary prosecution against a judge and on holding a judge disciplinary liable, as well as the decisions provided for by subparagraphs „c“ and „d“ of paragraph 1 of Article 75⁴¹ of this Law, shall be sent within 5 days of their adoption also to the author of the complaint (application/notification), if the case in connection with which the disciplinary proceedings were conducted is no longer being considered in a common court.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26 April 2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27 June 2025.

Article 75⁵. Grounds for initiating disciplinary proceedings against a judge🔗

1. The grounds for initiating disciplinary proceedings against a judge may be:

a) a complaint or application of any person, except an anonymous complaint or application;

b) a memorandum of another judge, a court or a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia or a civil servant of the apparatus regarding the commission of a disciplinary misconduct by a judge;

c) a notification of an investigative body;

d) information disseminated through the mass media, as well as information contained in a report and/or proposal of the Public Defender of Georgia regarding the commission by a judge of an act which may be considered a disciplinary misconduct.

2. The complaint (application) provided for by subparagraph "a" of paragraph 1 of this Article shall comply with the model form approved by the High Council of Justice of Georgia and shall be drawn up, as a rule, in printed form. The complaint (application) may also be submitted in electronic form. The complaint (application) shall be submitted to the High Council of Justice of Georgia. The submission of a complaint (application) that does not comply with the model form approved by the High Council of Justice of Georgia may not become a ground for refusing its acceptance (registration).

3. If the complaint (application) provided for by subparagraph "a" of paragraph 1 of this Article does not indicate the identity of the judge, the disciplinary case and/or the fact of the presumed commission of a disciplinary misconduct, the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall set a defect for the person submitting the complaint (application) and shall set a time limit for its elimination — not exceeding 5 days. In the event of failure to eliminate the defect within the said time limit, the complaint (application) shall not be considered.

4. The Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall immediately notify the relevant judge of the receipt of a complaint, application or other information regarding the commission of a disciplinary misconduct by a judge.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13.01.2022.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 75⁶. Authority to initiate disciplinary proceedings against a judge🔗

Disciplinary proceedings against a judge shall be initiated, and the preliminary examination and investigation of the disciplinary case shall also be carried out, by the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia (through the relevant structural unit of the High Council of Justice of Georgia), who shall submit his reasoned conclusions and opinions to the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018

.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 75⁷. Initiation of Disciplinary Proceedings and Preliminary Examination🔗

1. If the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia receives a complaint, application or other information about the commission of a disciplinary misconduct by a judge, within 1 month from its receipt, he/she shall, on a preliminary basis, under the standard of reasonable suspicion, verify the validity of this information. The time limit for the preliminary examination of the said information may be extended by 2 weeks, and if its preliminary examination is impossible, this time limit may be suspended.

2. The Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia is entitled, when examining a complaint, application or other information about the commission of a disciplinary misconduct by a judge, to directly use the electronic database of the Legal Entity of Public Law – State Services Development Agency, the electronic database of the Legal Entity of Public Law – National Agency of Public Registry, the electronic database of the Legal Entity of Public Law – Chamber of Notaries of Georgia, the electronic database of the Legal Entity of Public Law – National Bureau of Enforcement and the electronic database of the Legal Entity of Public Law – Revenue Service. At the same time, he/she is entitled, during the said examination, through an interactive electronic system, within 10 days from the application, to request from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia information on the imposition of an administrative penalty and on criminal record, and to obtain directly, through the automated search resource of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, registration data on the crossing of the state border, motor vehicles and firearms. The Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia is also entitled to apply by a reasoned letter to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia for requesting additional other information, the decision on the issuance of which is made by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia in accordance with the legislation of Georgia.

3. If the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, during the preliminary examination and investigation of a disciplinary case, becomes convinced that signs of a criminal offence are apparent in this case, he/she shall apply to the High Council of Justice of Georgia with a reasoned submission for a decision on transferring the materials of the said case to the Prosecutor's Office of Georgia.

4. The circumstances that were not indicated in the complaint, application or other information about the commission of a disciplinary misconduct by a judge and that were revealed during the preliminary examination may serve as a basis for bringing a judge to disciplinary liability.

5. It is inadmissible to initiate disciplinary proceedings repeatedly against the same judge on the same ground on which disciplinary proceedings have already been conducted.

6. During disciplinary proceedings, the powers of the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia and of the relevant structural unit shall be determined by this Law and the relevant legal acts of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13.01.2022.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 75⁸. Assessment of the substantiation of initiating disciplinary prosecution against a judge🔗

1. As a result of the preliminary examination, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall assess the substantiation of initiating disciplinary prosecution against a judge and, within the general time limit established by paragraph 1 of Article 75⁷ of this Law for the preliminary examination, shall adopt by a majority of the full composition a reasoned decision on initiating disciplinary prosecution against the judge and on depriving the judge of the opportunity to give explanations. When adopting this decision, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall rely on the standard of reasoned assumption. In the event of the adoption of the said decision, it shall be considered that disciplinary prosecution against the judge has commenced from the moment of the adoption of this decision. If the High Council of Justice of Georgia fails to adopt the above decision, the disciplinary proceedings against the judge shall be terminated. A member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia who does not agree with this decision shall have the right to set out his or her dissenting opinion in writing. This opinion shall be attached to the disciplinary case.

2. If the High Council of Justice of Georgia adopts a decision on depriving the judge of the opportunity to give explanations, that decision shall state the ground for disciplinary prosecution and shall indicate the corresponding subparagraph of paragraph 8 of Article 75¹ of this Law. Giving explanations is the right of the judge.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13.01.2022.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3129 of 13 June 2023 – website, 27.06.2023.

Article 75⁹. Joinder of disciplinary cases into one proceeding🔗

The Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, as well as the High Council of Justice of Georgia, shall have the right, by its decision, to join two or more disciplinary cases conducted against one judge on different grounds into one proceeding.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018

.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 75¹⁰. Examination of a disciplinary case🔗

1. The examination of a disciplinary case shall be completed within 1 month from the adoption of the decision on taking explanations from the judge. If necessary, this period may be extended by no more than 2 weeks.

2. Written explanations shall be taken from the judge against whom disciplinary prosecution is being conducted. The Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be entitled to take written explanations from the author of the complaint (application). The Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall also be entitled to request all necessary information, documents and materials related to the fact of the commission of a disciplinary misconduct, to invite another person and to hear his/her information. The Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be obliged to consider the request of the judge against whom disciplinary prosecution is being conducted and, at the judge's request, to take additional explanations from the judge. A judge shall be entitled to benefit from the assistance of a defence counsel during the examination of a disciplinary case. He/she may invite an advocate or another judge, or another representative, as a defence counsel.

3. The preliminary verification and examination of a disciplinary case shall be carried out objectively, comprehensively and impartially. Both mitigating and aggravating circumstances of the judge's liability shall be studied.

4. During disciplinary proceedings, supervision of the lawfulness of acts delivered by a judge shall be inadmissible.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018

.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13.01.2022

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025

Article 75¹¹. Suspension of disciplinary case proceedings🔗

1. By decision of the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, disciplinary case proceedings shall be suspended if, in the course of the examination, such objective difficulty or obstacle has arisen (illness of the judge against whom disciplinary prosecution is being conducted, or another circumstance) as temporarily renders the examination of this case impossible. If the ground for suspension of the disciplinary case proceedings is eliminated, the disciplinary case proceedings shall be resumed.

2. The period of suspension of the disciplinary case proceedings shall not be counted in the period established by this Law for the examination of a disciplinary case, nor in the 1-year period established for the imposition of disciplinary liability, but shall be taken into account in the 3-year period established by this Law for the imposition of disciplinary liability.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018

.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025

Article 75¹². Grounds for refusing to initiate disciplinary proceedings against a judge or for terminating disciplinary proceedings against a judge🔗

1. The Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall adopt a reasoned decision on refusal to initiate disciplinary proceedings against a judge or on termination of initiated disciplinary proceedings against a judge, if:

a) the time limit for bringing the judge to disciplinary liability or for imposing disciplinary responsibility (disciplinary penalty) on the judge has expired;

b) there is a decision rendered by the body conducting disciplinary proceedings in respect of the same judge for the same act;

c) the judge's judicial powers have been terminated;

d) the complaint concerns the lawfulness of an act rendered by the judge.

2. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall adopt a reasoned decision on termination of disciplinary proceedings against a judge, if, as a result of the examination of the disciplinary case, the fact of the commission of a disciplinary misconduct provided for by this Law by the judge or the culpable commission thereof has not been established.

3. The decision of the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia or of the High Council of Justice of Georgia on termination of disciplinary proceedings against a judge shall be communicated to the respective judge and published on the website of the High Council of Justice of Georgia without the identifying data of this judge and of other persons participating in the disciplinary case.

Organic Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018

.

Organic Law of Georgia of 13 December 2019 No. 5569 – website, 25.12.2019

Organic Law of Georgia of 26 June 2025 No. 827 – website, 27.06.2025

Article 75¹³. Bringing a judge to disciplinary liability or termination of disciplinary proceedings against him🔗

1. After completion of the examination of the disciplinary case, the High Council of Justice of Georgia, within the general time limit established by paragraph 1 of Article 75¹⁰ of this Law for the examination of the disciplinary case, by not less than 2/3 of its full composition, adopts a reasoned decision on bringing the judge to disciplinary liability. If the High Council of Justice of Georgia fails to adopt the said decision, the disciplinary proceedings against the judge shall be terminated. A member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia who does not agree with this decision has the right to set out in writing his dissenting opinion, which shall be attached to the disciplinary case.

2. The High Council of Justice of Georgia is also entitled to instruct the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia to conduct an additional examination of the disciplinary case and to give him appropriate instructions. In this case, the time limit for the examination of the disciplinary case shall be extended by 2 months. Further extension of this time limit shall be inadmissible. After completion of the examination of the disciplinary case, the relevant issue shall again be put to a vote for the High Council of Justice of Georgia to adopt a decision.

Organic Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia of 13 December 2019 No. 5569 – website, 25.12.2019.

Organic Law of Georgia of 30 December 2021 No. 1346 – website, 13.01.2022.

Organic Law of Georgia of 29 May 2024 No. 4218 – website, 12.06.2024.

Organic Law of Georgia of 26 June 2025 No. 827 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 75¹⁴. Decision on bringing a judge to disciplinary liability🔗

1. The reasoned decision on bringing a judge to disciplinary liability shall set out the substance of the disciplinary charge brought against the judge. When adopting this decision, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall rely on the high degree of probability standard.

2. By the same decision, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall appoint its representative to the Disciplinary Collegium of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia to support the disciplinary charge during the hearing of the case. The High Council of Justice of Georgia is entitled to appoint several representatives to support the disciplinary charge or to replace the representative at any stage of the disciplinary proceedings.

3. A copy of the decision shall be transmitted, within 5 days of its adoption, together with copies of the case materials, to the judge brought to disciplinary liability.

4. The judge brought to disciplinary liability shall be entitled, within 10 days of receipt of the copy of the decision, to submit to the High Council of Justice of Georgia a written response to the decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia on bringing him/her to disciplinary liability and the relevant evidence. Within 3 days of the submission of the response by the judge or of the expiry of the time limit established for submitting the response, the materials of the disciplinary case, together with the documents submitted by the judge, shall be sent to the Disciplinary Collegium of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 75¹⁵. Adoption of a decision on disciplinary matters by the High Council of Justice of Georgia🔗

1. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall adopt a decision on disciplinary matters in the manner established by this Law and the Rules of Procedure of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

2. When a disciplinary matter is considered, the meeting shall be chaired by the Chairperson of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

3. For the purpose of considering a disciplinary matter, the meeting of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be convened by the Secretary of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

4. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall consider, at its meeting, the matter of subjecting a judge to disciplinary liability and the materials related to that matter. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall invite the relevant judge to the meeting. If the High Council of Justice of Georgia deems it necessary, the author of the complaint (application/notification) may be invited to the meeting. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall hear the information and explanations of the invited persons.

5. In the event of a judge's admission of the disciplinary charge, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall adopt a decision on subjecting the judge to disciplinary liability and shall send the materials of the disciplinary case to the Disciplinary Collegium of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia in the manner established by paragraph 4 of Article 75¹⁴ of this Law.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3262 of 21 July 2018 – website, 10.08.2018.

Article 75¹⁶. (repealed)🔗

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13.01.2022.

Article 75¹⁷. The body considering disciplinary cases and the legal basis of its activities🔗

1. Disciplinary cases in respect of judges of the common courts of Georgia shall be considered by the Disciplinary Collegium of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia (hereinafter – the Disciplinary Collegium).

2. The Disciplinary Collegium shall carry out its activities in accordance with this Law and, upon the submission of the Disciplinary Collegium, in the manner established by the Conference of Judges of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75¹⁸. Binding force of a decision of the Disciplinary Collegium🔗

The execution of a decision of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be binding.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75¹⁹. Rule for the Formation of the Disciplinary Collegium🔗

1. The Disciplinary Collegium shall consist of 5 members, of whom 3 members are judges of the common courts of Georgia and 2 members are not judges. The judge members of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be elected by the Conference of Judges of Georgia. Any judge attending the Conference of Judges may nominate a candidate for a judge member of the Disciplinary Collegium before the Conference of Judges of Georgia. The members of the Disciplinary Collegium who are not judges shall be elected by the Parliament of Georgia. The procedure and time limits for submitting candidates for membership of the Disciplinary Collegium to the Parliament of Georgia, determining their compliance with the established requirements, considering them, submitting them to a plenary sitting of the Parliament of Georgia and electing them as members of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be determined by the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament of Georgia. A member of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be elected for a term of 4 years.

2. The Parliament of Georgia may elect as a member of the Disciplinary Collegium a citizen of Georgia who has higher legal education, at least 5 years of work experience in the specialty, a high reputation and who is a recognised specialist in the field of law. When electing a person as a member of the Disciplinary Collegium, the prior written consent of the candidate for membership shall be required.

3. A member of the Disciplinary Collegium elected by the Parliament of Georgia may not hold any other position in public service or engage in entrepreneurial activity, directly exercise the powers of a permanent director or of a member of a supervisory, control, audit or advisory body of a business entity, or engage in other remunerated activity, except for scientific, pedagogical and creative activity. He/she may not be a member of a political union and/or participate in political activity.

4. A member of the Disciplinary Collegium may not be a member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

5. A judge may not be a member of the Disciplinary Collegium if, during the last 5 years, he/she was subjected to disciplinary liability and penalty for committing a disciplinary misconduct.

6. The grounds for termination of the powers of a member of the Disciplinary Collegium are:

a) personal application;

b) entry into legal force of a final conviction judgment rendered against him/her;

c) termination of Georgian citizenship;

d) expiry of the term of powers;

e) recognition by a court as a person with limited legal capacity or as a recipient of support, unless otherwise determined by a court judgment;

f) death;

g) disclosure of confidential information concerning a disciplinary case;

h) commission of a disciplinary misconduct;

i) systematic failure to perform or improper performance of duties;

j) holding an incompatible office or engaging in incompatible activity.

7. Violation of other norms of judicial ethics may be a ground for termination of the powers of a member of the Disciplinary Collegium.

8. The decision on the termination of the powers of a member of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be taken by the Parliament of Georgia or the Conference of Judges of Georgia, respectively.

9. The Disciplinary Collegium shall consider the disciplinary case of a member of the Disciplinary Collegium without the participation of that member.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3903 of 6 December 2018 – website, 14.12.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 6858 of 15 July 2020 – website, 28.07.2020.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 75²⁰. Chairman of the Disciplinary Collegium🔗

The Chairman of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be elected by the Disciplinary Collegium from among the judge members of the Collegium. The Chairman of the Disciplinary Collegium shall chair the sittings of the Collegium and shall exercise other powers determined by the legislation of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75²¹. Remuneration for the Performance of Duties🔗

A member of the Disciplinary Collegium elected by the Parliament of Georgia shall be paid appropriate remuneration for the performance of his/her duties within the budgetary allocations allocated to the common courts of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75²². Place of Activity of the Disciplinary Collegium🔗

The place of activity of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be the High Council of Justice of Georgia or a location specially allocated for this purpose.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75²³. Scope of Examination of a Case by the Disciplinary Collegium🔗

The Disciplinary Collegium shall not be entitled to go beyond the scope of the disciplinary charge (the factual side of the charge). It shall also not be entitled to make the subject of substantive deliberation at a sitting of the Disciplinary Collegium those facts or circumstances that are not directly related to the disciplinary charge brought against the judge, or to find the judge guilty of committing a disciplinary misconduct for which no disciplinary charge has been brought against him/her, and to impose disciplinary liability and a penalty on him/her.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75²⁴. Principles of the activity of the Disciplinary Collegium🔗

1. A disciplinary case in the Disciplinary Collegium shall be considered collegially. The Disciplinary Collegium shall be competent if at least 3 members of the collegium attend its session.

2. The Disciplinary Collegium shall consider a disciplinary case impartially and objectively, on the basis of the principle of equality of the parties and adversariality.

3. The session of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be closed, and information related to the consideration of a disciplinary case shall be confidential, except for the case provided for by paragraph 1 of Article 75⁴ of this Law. A member of the Disciplinary Collegium and the person presenting the disciplinary charge shall be obliged to maintain the confidentiality of the said information.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26 April 2018.

Article 75²⁵. Time limit for the consideration of a disciplinary case🔗

The Disciplinary Collegium shall consider a disciplinary case no later than 2 months from its receipt.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26 April 2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13 January 2022.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27 June 2025.

Article 75²⁶. Place of consideration of a disciplinary case🔗

The Disciplinary Collegium shall consider a disciplinary case in a specially designated hall. Consideration of a disciplinary case in a courtroom shall be inadmissible.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26 April 2018.

Article 75²⁷. Rule for the distribution of disciplinary cases in the Disciplinary Collegium🔗

Disciplinary cases shall be distributed by the chairperson of the Disciplinary Collegium taking into account the order of the cases.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26 April 2018.

Article 75²⁸. Recusal of a member of the Disciplinary Collegium from a disciplinary case🔗

1. A member of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be obliged to recuse himself from the consideration of a disciplinary case if there exists a circumstance that will prevent him from considering this case impartially and objectively.

2. A member of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be obliged to recuse himself from the consideration of a disciplinary case if a court ruling, resolution or separate ruling issued by him or with his participation, or his report, served as the basis for initiating disciplinary prosecution against a judge.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26 April 2018.

Article 75²⁹. Recusal of the Disciplinary Collegium🔗

1. A judge subject to disciplinary liability, as well as a representative of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, has the right to file a motion for recusal of a member of the Disciplinary Collegium or of the entire composition of the Disciplinary Collegium, if there are grounds provided for by Article 75²⁸ of this Law for removal of a member of the Disciplinary Collegium from the disciplinary case. He/she shall be obliged to state the ground for recusal and substantiate the recusal. A judge subject to disciplinary liability also has the right to file a motion for recusal of the representative of the High Council of Justice of Georgia who is appointed to support the disciplinary charge in his/her case.

2. A motion for recusal of the Disciplinary Collegium, its member, or a representative appointed to support the charge shall be considered by the Disciplinary Collegium in the deliberation room.

3. A motion for recusal shall be granted if there is a well-founded doubt as to the impartiality of a member of the Disciplinary Collegium, the entire composition of the Collegium, or a representative appointed to support the charge.

4. The annulment or alteration by a member of the Disciplinary Collegium or by a representative appointed to support the disciplinary charge of a court judgment delivered in the past by a judge subject to disciplinary liability shall not be considered as a ground for bias and recusal of the member of the Disciplinary Collegium or the representative appointed to support the disciplinary charge.

5. A motion for recusal of a member of the Disciplinary Collegium shall necessarily be granted if any of the circumstances defined by paragraph 2 of Article 75²⁸ of this Law exists.

6. If the motion for recusal is granted, the Disciplinary Collegium shall continue consideration of the case without the recused member of the Disciplinary Collegium.

7. In the case of recusal of the Disciplinary Collegium or of a representative appointed to support the charge, the period of postponement of consideration of the case shall not be counted within the time limit established by this Law for imposing a disciplinary penalty.

8. If the motion for recusal is not granted, the Disciplinary Collegium shall continue consideration of the case at the same hearing.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26 April 2018.

Article 75³⁰. Termination of disciplinary proceedings due to expiry of the time limit established by law🔗

1. Upon receipt of a disciplinary case, the disciplinary collegium shall, before commencing its consideration, verify whether the time limit established by this Law for imposing disciplinary liability on a judge has expired.

2. If the time limit for imposing disciplinary liability on a judge has expired, the disciplinary collegium shall immediately adopt a decision on the termination of the disciplinary proceedings, except for the case where the expiry of the time limit for imposing disciplinary liability on a judge is caused by deliberate culpable delay of time by the judge subject to disciplinary liability. The disciplinary collegium shall notify the High Council of Justice of Georgia, as well as the judge against whom the disciplinary prosecution is being conducted, of the said decision.

Organic Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75³¹. Suspension of disciplinary proceedings due to the existence of signs of a crime🔗

1. Upon receipt of a disciplinary case, the disciplinary collegium shall, before commencing its consideration, verify whether the act that served as the basis for bringing the judge to disciplinary liability contains signs of a crime.

2. If, according to the materials of the disciplinary case, the existence of signs of a crime in the judge's act is obvious, the disciplinary collegium shall not commence consideration of the case, shall suspend the disciplinary proceedings, shall send the case materials to the relevant body and shall notify the judge against whom the disciplinary prosecution is being conducted, as well as the High Council of Justice of Georgia, thereof.

3. If criminal prosecution is not initiated against the judge and/or a guilty verdict is not rendered, except for the case provided for by subparagraph „d“ of paragraph 1 of Article 75⁴² of this Law, after receiving the relevant information, the disciplinary collegium shall resume the suspended disciplinary proceedings, if the time limit for imposing disciplinary liability on the judge has not expired.

Organic Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75³². Preparation of a disciplinary case for consideration🔗

1. The disciplinary collegium, which has been assigned to consider the disciplinary case, shall be notified thereof in advance and shall set the day for consideration of the case in the collegium.

2. The disciplinary collegium shall notify the High Council of Justice of Georgia and its representative, as well as the judge against whom the disciplinary case is being conducted, of the place, day and hour of consideration of the disciplinary case in a timely manner.

3. The disciplinary collegium shall summon witnesses and other persons to participate in the consideration of the case and shall notify them of the place, day and hour of consideration of the case.

Organic Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75³³. Consideration of a case by the Disciplinary Collegium🔗

1. The Disciplinary Collegium shall consider a disciplinary case at a session of the Disciplinary Collegium. The session shall be chaired by the chairperson of the Disciplinary Collegium, and in the event of his/her absence, by the reporting member.

2. The session of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be opened by the chairperson of the session of the Collegium.

3. The consideration of a disciplinary case shall begin with a report by one of the members of the Collegium, in which the stages of the disciplinary proceedings and the relevant factual circumstances are set out in chronological order.

4. After hearing the report, the parties shall be given the floor: first, to the representative of the High Council of Justice of Georgia to present the disciplinary charge, and then to the judge subject to disciplinary liability to respond to the charge brought. The judge subject to disciplinary liability shall have the right to avail himself/herself of the assistance of a defender. He/she may invite as a defender an advocate or another judge, or another representative.

5. The parties shall have the right to fully express and properly defend their positions, to ask each other questions, to submit written and other types of evidence, to raise motions regarding the disclosure of various documents, materials or information, or the hearing of information of persons invited to the session, the requesting of additional documents or the inviting of additional persons and the hearing of their information, the requesting of the relevant court case, as well as to carry out other measures. Motions shall be considered by the Disciplinary Collegium.

6. The Disciplinary Collegium shall be entitled to ask questions to the parties or to persons invited to participate in the consideration of the case, to request additional documents, materials or information, to additionally invite other persons in order to hear their information, to postpone the consideration of the case by not more than 2 weeks, and to carry out other measures.

7. The person presenting the disciplinary charge shall be limited solely to bringing the disciplinary charge and substantiating it. He/she shall not have the right to demand the imposition of a specific disciplinary penalty on the judge and the application of a disciplinary measure.

8. Minutes shall be drawn up at the session of the Disciplinary Collegium.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75³⁴. Ensuring the equality of rights of the parties🔗

1. The Disciplinary Collegium shall be obliged to create equal conditions and opportunities for the parties to express and defend their positions.

2. It shall be inadmissible for any of the members of the Disciplinary Collegium to meet in advance with either party or to receive any information from it without the presence of the other party, or without informing it of the content of this information, unless this concerns the organisational aspect of the case.

3. A member of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be obliged, before the consideration of the case and during the consideration process, not to express his/her attitude or preconception in favour of one of the parties, which may cast doubt on the impartiality of the Disciplinary Collegium.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75³⁵. Mandatory participation of the parties in the consideration of a disciplinary case🔗

1. When considering a disciplinary case, the participation of the judge subject to disciplinary liability and of the representative of the High Council of Justice of Georgia in the session of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be mandatory. If any party to the disciplinary case fails to appear at the session of the Disciplinary Collegium, the Disciplinary Collegium shall be obliged to postpone the consideration of the disciplinary case by not more than 2 weeks. This period shall not be counted within the 1-month period for the consideration of the disciplinary case by the Disciplinary Collegium.

2. If it is established that the judge subject to disciplinary liability is evading and, for an unjustified reason, fails to appear at the session of the Disciplinary Collegium, the Disciplinary Collegium shall be entitled to consider the case in his/her absence, and, where the relevant ground exists, to find him/her guilty and to impose disciplinary liability and a penalty on him/her.

3. If the judge subject to disciplinary liability is unable to appear at the session of the Disciplinary Collegium due to a serious illness or other force majeure, the Disciplinary Collegium shall be entitled, by its judgment, to suspend the proceedings of the disciplinary case for a period of up to 3 months. This period shall not be counted within the 1-year period for imposing disciplinary liability on a judge, but shall be taken into account within the 5-year period established by this Law for imposing disciplinary liability. If the ground for the suspension of the proceedings of the disciplinary case is not eliminated within 3 months, the Disciplinary Collegium shall be entitled to consider this case in the absence of the judge subject to disciplinary liability.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13.01.2022.

Article 75³⁶. Decision of the Disciplinary Collegium in the case of the dismissal of a disciplinary charge against a judge or the judge's admission of a disciplinary charge🔗

1. The representative of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be entitled, on the basis of a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, at any stage of the consideration of the disciplinary case (before the Disciplinary Collegium retires to the deliberation room), to dismiss the disciplinary charge brought against the judge. In this case, the Disciplinary Collegium shall be obliged to terminate the consideration of the disciplinary case, regardless of the stage of consideration, and, accordingly, the disciplinary case.

2. The judge subject to disciplinary liability shall be entitled, before the consideration of the case begins, to fully admit the disciplinary charge and to request the Disciplinary Collegium, without considering the disciplinary case on the merits, to adopt a decision on finding him/her guilty and imposing disciplinary liability and a penalty on him/her. The Disciplinary Collegium shall be obliged to grant the judge's motion and to adopt the relevant decision.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75³⁷. Temporary suspension of the consideration of a case in the Disciplinary Collegium🔗

1. If, before the completion of the consideration of a disciplinary case, the Disciplinary Collegium receives another disciplinary case initiated against the same judge, the Disciplinary Collegium shall be obliged to temporarily suspend the consideration of the first disciplinary case, to join the disciplinary cases, to consider them simultaneously and, where the judge is found guilty of committing two or more disciplinary misconducts, to impose disciplinary liability on him/her in accordance with the procedure established by paragraph 2 of Article 75⁴⁷ of this Law.

2. Temporary suspension of the consideration of a case in the Disciplinary Collegium shall also occur in other cases provided for by this Law.

3. The period of temporary suspension of a disciplinary case shall not be counted within the 1-month period for the consideration of a disciplinary case by the Disciplinary Collegium.

4. Where the ground for the suspension of the consideration of a disciplinary case is eliminated, the Disciplinary Collegium shall resume the consideration of the case.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13.01.2022.

Article 75³⁸. Non-application of the principle of continuous consideration of a case🔗

In disciplinary proceedings the principle of continuity of the consideration of a case shall not apply. In the event of postponement or temporary suspension of the consideration of a disciplinary case, the members of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be entitled to consider another disciplinary case and thereafter to continue the consideration of the postponed or temporarily suspended case. They shall be entitled to consider a disciplinary case irrespective of whether or not they participate in the consideration of other cases (criminal, civil or other cases).

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75³⁹. Adoption of a substantive decision on a case🔗

The Disciplinary Collegium shall establish whether the judge committed the act for which a disciplinary charge was brought against him/her and whether, in accordance with this Law, that act constitutes a disciplinary misconduct. The Disciplinary Collegium shall also establish whether the judge is guilty of committing a disciplinary misconduct. Only where all three of these circumstances exist shall the Disciplinary Collegium be authorised to adopt a decision on finding the judge guilty and imposing disciplinary liability and a disciplinary penalty on him/her. The Disciplinary Collegium shall be authorised to change the qualification of the judge's act to any type of disciplinary misconduct provided for by Article 75¹ of this Law.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁴⁰. Adoption of a decision by the Disciplinary Collegium🔗

1. The Disciplinary Collegium shall adopt a decision in the deliberation room.

2. A decision of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be considered adopted if it is supported by the majority of the attending members of the Collegium.

3. A decision of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be drawn up in writing and shall be signed by the members of the Collegium.

4. A member of the Disciplinary Collegium who disagrees with the decision adopted on the disciplinary case shall set out his/her opinion in writing, which shall be attached to the case.

5. A decision of the Disciplinary Collegium may be appealed by filing a complaint with the Disciplinary Collegium.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁴¹. Types of decisions of the Disciplinary Collegium🔗

1. The Disciplinary Collegium is entitled to render one of the following decisions:

a) on suspension of the disciplinary proceedings;

b) on termination of the disciplinary proceedings;

c) on finding the judge guilty of committing a disciplinary misconduct and imposing disciplinary liability and penalty on him/her;

d) on finding the judge guilty of committing a disciplinary misconduct, imposing disciplinary liability and addressing the judge with a private recommendation letter;

e) on acquitting the judge.

2. The decisions provided for by subparagraphs "c"–"e" of paragraph 1 of this Article shall be adopted only after the completion of the substantive examination of the disciplinary case, except for the case provided for by paragraph 2 of Article 75³⁶ of this Law.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁴². Decision of the Disciplinary Collegium on termination of the disciplinary proceedings🔗

1. The Disciplinary Collegium shall adopt a decision on termination of the disciplinary proceedings if:

a) the time limit for imposing a disciplinary penalty on the judge has expired;

b) the High Council of Justice of Georgia has withdrawn the disciplinary charge against the judge;

c) the judge against whom disciplinary prosecution has been initiated resigns before the completion of the examination of the disciplinary case or his/her judicial powers are terminated;

d) on the basis of the materials sent by the Disciplinary Collegium, criminal prosecution against the judge was not initiated due to the failure to prove the judge's guilt or the facts that served as the basis for the disciplinary charge.

2. The Disciplinary Collegium may adopt a decision on termination of the disciplinary proceedings only before the completion of the substantive examination of the case, before the Disciplinary Collegium retires to the deliberation room.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁴³. Decision of the Disciplinary Collegium on temporary suspension of disciplinary proceedings🔗

1. The decision on temporary suspension of disciplinary proceedings shall be taken by the Disciplinary Collegium in the cases provided for by Article 75³⁷ of this Law.

2. Temporary suspension of disciplinary proceedings shall be permitted only before the completion of the substantive examination of the case, before the Disciplinary Collegium retires to the deliberation room.

Organic Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁴⁴. Decision of the Disciplinary Collegium on finding a judge guilty of committing a disciplinary misconduct, imposing disciplinary liability on him/her or addressing a judge with a private recommendation letter🔗

1. The Disciplinary Collegium shall take a decision on finding a judge guilty of committing a disciplinary misconduct, imposing disciplinary liability on him/her or addressing a judge with a private recommendation letter, if, during the examination of the disciplinary case in the Disciplinary Collegium, it is established by a body of mutually compatible and convincing evidence that the said judge has culpably committed a disciplinary misconduct provided for by this Law, but due to the minor significance of the violation or the insignificant degree of guilt or for another motive (due to the delicacy of the matter or for another reason, taking into account the judge's personality) the Disciplinary Collegium considers it inexpedient to impose a disciplinary sanction on the judge and considers it sufficient to address him/her with a private recommendation letter.

2. A private recommendation letter is a letter of the Disciplinary Collegium to a judge who has committed a disciplinary misconduct, in which the fact of the commission of a disciplinary misconduct by this judge is assessed negatively. The private recommendation letter also contains the recommendation of the Disciplinary Collegium on the elimination of the violation, on the ways and means of resolving the difficulties and problems related to the performance of the judge's duties.

3. The content of the private recommendation letter is confidential. The private recommendation letter shall be sent only to the judge who has committed the disciplinary misconduct, to the High Council of Justice of Georgia and to the author of the complaint (application/notification). The author of the complaint (application/notification) shall be obliged to sign a written undertaking on the non-disclosure of the content of the private recommendation letter. Sending a copy of the private recommendation letter to another body or official shall be inadmissible. A copy of the private recommendation letter shall be attached to the disciplinary case in the form of a sealed package. This package may be opened only in the case of a repeated commission of a disciplinary misconduct by the judge, during the examination of the disciplinary case in the Disciplinary Collegium.

Organic Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁴⁵. Decision of the Disciplinary Collegium on acquittal of a judge🔗

The Disciplinary Collegium adopts a decision on acquittal of a judge if, as a result of the consideration of the case, the fact of the commission by the judge of a disciplinary misconduct provided for by this Law, or his/her culpable commission thereof, has not been established.

Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁴⁶. Decision of the Disciplinary Collegium on finding a judge culpable of committing a disciplinary misconduct and on imposing disciplinary liability and a disciplinary penalty on him/her🔗

The Disciplinary Collegium adopts a decision on finding a judge culpable of committing a disciplinary misconduct and on imposing disciplinary liability and a disciplinary penalty on him/her, if, as a result of the consideration of the disciplinary case by the Disciplinary Collegium, it has been established by a set of mutually compatible and convincing evidence that the said judge culpably committed one or several disciplinary misconducts provided for by this Law, and the Disciplinary Collegium considers it expedient to impose disciplinary liability on him/her in accordance with the procedure established by paragraph 2 of Article 75⁴⁷ of this Law.

Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018.

Law of Georgia of 30 December 2021 No. 1346 – website, 13.01.2022.

Article 75⁴⁷. General rule for imposing a disciplinary sanction and a measure of disciplinary influence🔗

1. A disciplinary sanction and a measure of disciplinary influence shall be imposed in compliance with the principle of the independence of a judge and of non-interference in a judge's activity. When selecting a disciplinary sanction and a measure of disciplinary influence for a judge, the Disciplinary Collegium shall take into account the substance and gravity of the disciplinary misconduct, the consequences that followed or could have followed from it, and the degree of guilt.

2. As a general rule, the Disciplinary Collegium shall be entitled to apply only one, principal disciplinary sanction. In an exceptional case, when only a principal disciplinary sanction cannot ensure the achievement of the purpose of disciplinary liability, the Disciplinary Collegium shall be entitled, together with it, to apply an additional disciplinary sanction provided for by paragraph 1² of Article 75³ of this Law. A measure of disciplinary influence shall be applied only independently.

3. If a sanction imposed for a previously committed disciplinary misconduct has not been expunged, as a general rule, a more severe disciplinary sanction shall be imposed on the judge.

4. If, within 1 year from an application by a private letter of recommendation, a judge commits the same type of disciplinary misconduct for which the said measure of disciplinary influence was imposed, the Disciplinary Collegium shall deliberate on the imposition of a disciplinary sanction on the judge.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018 .

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13.01.2022.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 827 of 26 June 2025 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 75⁴⁸. Imposition of a disciplinary sanction on a judge🔗

1. For a disciplinary misconduct provided for by this Law, as a general rule, the disciplinary sanctions provided for by paragraph 1 of Article 75³ of this Law shall be applied in the corresponding sequence, except where the type of the disciplinary misconduct requires the application of a more severe disciplinary sanction.

2. The disciplinary sanction provided for by subparagraph "f" of paragraph 1 of Article 75³ of this Law shall not be applied to a judge of the Supreme Court.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018

.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 75⁴⁹. (deleted)🔗

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018 .

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 75⁵⁰. Decision of the Disciplinary Collegium on dismissal of a judge from office🔗

1. The Disciplinary Collegium takes into account that dismissal of a judge from office is an extreme measure, and this measure is applied in exceptional circumstances. The Disciplinary Collegium adopts a decision on dismissal of a judge from office if, taking into account the gravity and number of the specific disciplinary misconduct, as well as a disciplinary misconduct committed in the past, it considers the continuation of the exercise of judicial powers by this judge to be inexpedient.

2. If in the past a judge was imposed a disciplinary penalty for a committed disciplinary misconduct – strict reprimand – independently or together with a measure of disciplinary influence provided by law, and this penalty has not been expunged, when selecting a disciplinary penalty for a new disciplinary misconduct the Collegium discusses the issue of dismissal of this judge from office.

3. From the moment of adoption by the Disciplinary Collegium of a decision on dismissal of a judge from office, the judge shall, in accordance with the procedure established by law, be removed from the consideration of the case and the exercise of other official powers.

Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁵¹. Content of the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium🔗

The decision of the Disciplinary Collegium shall state:

a) the name of the Disciplinary Collegium;

b) the composition of the Disciplinary Collegium;

c) the time of consideration of the disciplinary case;

d) the name, surname and position of the judge subject to disciplinary liability;

e) the identity of the official initiating the disciplinary proceedings and the name of the body subjecting the judge to disciplinary liability;

f) the dates of the initiation of the disciplinary proceedings and of subjecting to disciplinary liability;

g) the circumstances of the disciplinary case;

h) the content of the disciplinary charge and of the judge's explanation;

i) the factual and legal basis of the decision taken, the content and reasoning of the decision;

j) the type of disciplinary misconduct for which the judge is subject to disciplinary liability, and the types of disciplinary penalty and measure of disciplinary influence;

k) the basis for termination of the disciplinary case, acquittal of the judge, addressing the judge with a private recommendation letter, or the submission on his dismissal from office.

Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁵². Sending of a copy of the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium🔗

1. Copies of the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium on a disciplinary case shall be sent, within 5 days of its adoption, to the judge in respect of whom this decision was adopted, to the High Council of Justice of Georgia and to the Conference of Judges of Georgia. Copies of the said decision shall be sent, within the same period, to the author of the complaint (application/notification), if the case in connection with which the disciplinary proceedings were conducted is no longer being considered in a common court.

2. A copy of the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be attached to the judge's personal file.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁵³. Minutes of the session of the Disciplinary Collegium and its content🔗

1. The minutes of the session of the Disciplinary Collegium shall reflect the date of the session of the Disciplinary Collegium, the time of its commencement, the course of the session, the composition of the Disciplinary Collegium, the identity of the parties, their positions, the evidence submitted by them and the relevant arguments, the essence of the motions filed by them and the results of their consideration, the identity of the persons invited to the session and their information, the content of the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium, and the time of conclusion of the session.

2. The minutes of the session of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be signed by the chairperson of the session of the Disciplinary Collegium and the secretary of the session.

3. The minutes of the session of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be attached to the disciplinary case.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁵⁴. Appeal against decisions of the Disciplinary Collegium, the Ethics Commission of the Georgian Bar Association and the Ethics Commission of the Georgian Mediators Association🔗

1. A decision of the Disciplinary Collegium may be reviewed in the Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court (hereinafter – the Disciplinary Chamber) by appealing it. Only the decisions provided for by subparagraphs „b“–„e“ of the first paragraph of Article 75⁴¹ of this Law shall be subject to appeal. The parties to the disciplinary case shall have the right to appeal.

2. A complaint against a decision of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be submitted to the Disciplinary Collegium within 10 days. This time limit may not be extended (restored) and it shall start from the moment the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium is delivered to the party. The moment of delivery of the decision shall be deemed to be the delivery of a copy of the decision to the party directly at the Disciplinary Collegium or its dispatch by post.

3. The decision on appealing a decision of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be taken by the High Council of Justice of Georgia at its session by a majority of its full composition. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall appeal the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium through its representative.

4. A judge who has been subjected to disciplinary liability shall appeal the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium in person or through his/her defence counsel or another representative.

5. Within 5 days of receipt of a complaint of one or both parties to the disciplinary case, the Chairperson of the Disciplinary Collegium shall transmit the disciplinary case together with the received complaints to the Disciplinary Chamber and shall notify the parties to the disciplinary case thereof.

6. No state fee shall be paid on a complaint filed against a decision of the Disciplinary Collegium.

7. A decision of the Ethics Commission of the Georgian Bar Association on imposing a disciplinary sanction on an attorney may be appealed by the attorney to the Disciplinary Chamber within 1 month of the delivery of the decision to him/her.

8. The Disciplinary Chamber shall consider a complaint of an attorney in accordance with the procedure established by this Article, Articles 75⁵⁵–75⁶⁸ of this Law and Article 35¹ of the Law of Georgia „On Attorneys“, and a complaint of a mediator − in accordance with the procedure established by this Article, Articles 75⁵⁵–75⁶⁸ of this Law and Article 15² of the Law of Georgia „On Mediation“.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13.01.2022.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1160 of 9 December 2025 – website, 12.12.2025.

Article 75⁵⁵. Content of a complaint🔗

1. A complaint shall contain:

a) the name of the Disciplinary Chamber;

b) the name and address of the person filing the complaint, the name and address of the opposing party;

c) the exact name of the appealed judgment, the name of the body that rendered this judgment;

d) an indication as to which part of the judgment is appealed;

e) an indication of the grounds for appeal (reasons of the complaint) and an explanation as to whether the person filing the complaint requests annulment of the judgment (statement of complaint);

f) an indication of the facts and evidence confirming a violation of procedural norms, if the complaint is based on a violation of procedural norms;

g) a list of the written materials attached to the complaint;

h) the signature of the person filing the complaint.

2. A complaint filed by a representative shall be accompanied by a power of attorney confirming the representative's authority to file the complaint, unless a document confirming such authority is in the case file.

3. The complaint, as well as additionally received materials, shall be submitted to the court in as many copies as there are participants in the case.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁵⁶. Examination of the admissibility of a complaint🔗

1. Within 5 days of the receipt of the complaint, the Disciplinary Chamber shall verify whether the complaint has been filed in compliance with the requirements of Article 75⁵⁵ of this Law. If the complaint meets the requirements of the said Article, the Disciplinary Chamber shall admit it for proceedings.

2. If the complaint does not meet the requirements of Article 75⁵⁵ of this Law, the Disciplinary Chamber shall instruct the person filing the complaint to remedy the defect, for which it shall set a reasonable time limit (not more than 5 days). If the defect is not remedied within this time limit or if the complaint has not been filed within the time limit established by law, the complaint shall be left unexamined.

3. The Disciplinary Chamber shall decide the matter provided for by this Article without an oral hearing.

4. Copies of the complaint and the attached materials shall be sent to the opposing party. The Disciplinary Chamber may set a time limit for the opposing party to give a written response to the complaint.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13.01.2022.

Article 75⁵⁷. Refusal to appeal a judgment and refusal of a complaint🔗

1. If, after the announcement of the judgment, a party declares in writing to the Disciplinary Collegium that it refuses to appeal the judgment, the complaint shall no longer be admitted.

2. When the case is considered by the Disciplinary Chamber, refusal of a complaint shall be permissible before the judgment is rendered. In the event of refusal of a complaint, the party shall be deprived of the right to appeal the judgment again.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁵⁸. Time limit for hearing a case, scheduling of the hearing of a case🔗

1. The Disciplinary Chamber shall hear a disciplinary case within 1 month from the acceptance of the complaint into proceedings.

2. By a ruling on the acceptance of the complaint for hearing, the Disciplinary Chamber shall determine the time of the oral hearing of the case, of which it shall notify the parties within 3 days from the adoption of this ruling.

3. The Disciplinary Chamber shall ensure the invitation of the parties/participants to participate in the session of the Disciplinary Chamber.

Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018.

Law of Georgia of 30 December 2021 No. 1346 – website, 13.01.2022.

Law of Georgia of 26 June 2025 No. 827 – website, 27.06.2025.

Article 75⁵⁹. Scope of the Disciplinary Chamber's review of a complaint and principles of activity🔗

1. The Disciplinary Chamber shall review the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium within the scope of the complaint, both from the factual and legal standpoint and from the standpoint of the fairness of the imposed sanction.

2. The hearing of a case by the Disciplinary Collegium in violation of legal procedures may become a ground for annulment of the decision only if this resulted in the adoption of a substantially incorrect decision on the case.

3. When hearing a complaint, the Disciplinary Chamber shall carry out its activities in accordance with the principles provided for by paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article 75²⁴ of this Law.

Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁶⁰. Hearing of a case by the Disciplinary Chamber🔗

1. A complaint filed against a decision of the Disciplinary Collegium shall be heard at a session of the Disciplinary Chamber. The session shall be chaired by the chairperson of the Disciplinary Chamber or, on his/her instruction, by another member of the Chamber.

2. The chairperson of the session of the Disciplinary Chamber shall open the session and announce the case to be heard.

3. The secretary of the session of the Disciplinary Chamber shall report who among the persons summoned to the case to be heard has appeared, whether the persons who failed to appear have been notified about the session, and what information exists regarding the reasons for their failure to appear. The Disciplinary Chamber shall establish the identity of those who appeared and shall also verify the authority of the representatives.

4. The chairperson of the session shall explain to the parties and their representatives their rights and obligations.

5. The chairperson of the session shall announce the composition of the Disciplinary Chamber and the identity of the secretary of the session, and shall explain to the parties that they may file a challenge if such a challenge was not filed for a valid reason before the hearing of the case at the session, or if the case is heard by a different court composition and not the one that was known at the stage of preparation of the case.

6. The chairperson of the session shall ask the parties whether they have any motions or statements that could not have been made before the session.

7. Participants in the proceedings shall be obliged to maintain order and to obey the instructions of the chairperson of the session. In the event of a violation of order, the chairperson shall give a warning to the violator.

Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁶¹. Substantive examination of a case🔗

1. The substantive examination of a case shall begin with the judge's report on the case, which shall be based on the materials submitted in the case.

2. After the judge's report on the case, the chairperson of the hearing shall give the floor to the parties for explanations.

3. The author of the complaint/representative shall be the first to give explanations, namely, what his/her claim is, what circumstances this claim is based on, how he/she confirms these circumstances, whether he/she still supports this claim, whether he/she does not withdraw the complaint, and other.

4. Then the court shall hear the explanations of the opposing party/representative, whether it does not recognise the complaint, and other.

5. If only one party appears at the hearing, the Chamber shall receive explanations from the party that appeared.

6. With the permission of the chairperson of the hearing, each party may put questions to the opposing party and its representative. If a question goes beyond the subject of the examination and does not serve the investigation and establishment of the circumstances of the case, the chairperson of the hearing may, at the request of a party or on his/her own initiative, strike such a question.

7. Members of the Disciplinary Chamber shall have the right to put questions to the parties that will contribute to the full and accurate determination of the circumstances relevant to the resolution of the case, and to the clarification of their reliability.

8. The debate shall consist of the speeches of the parties and their representatives. The author of the complaint and his/her representative shall speak first, then the opposing party and its representative.

9. After each participant of the debate has delivered a speech, the chairperson of the hearing shall give the parties the opportunity to make rejoinders.

10. After the debate, the Disciplinary Chamber shall retire to adopt a decision, of which it shall inform the parties.

11. After returning from the deliberation room, the chairperson of the hearing shall announce the decision adopted and shall explain the grounds for adopting the decision, after which he/she shall declare the hearing closed.

12. Minutes shall be taken at the hearing of the Disciplinary Chamber, which shall be signed by the chairperson of the hearing and the secretary of the hearing.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁶². Decision of the Disciplinary Chamber🔗

1. The Disciplinary Chamber shall adopt a decision by a majority of votes.

2. A member of the Disciplinary Chamber may not abstain from voting when adopting a decision.

3. The decision of the Disciplinary Chamber shall state the content of the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium and of the complaints received, the results of the examination of the issue in the Disciplinary Chamber, and the essence and reasoning of the decision adopted.

4. The decision of the Disciplinary Chamber shall be final and shall not be subject to appeal.

5. The Disciplinary Chamber may, at the request of the parties or on its own initiative, correct inaccuracies or obvious arithmetic errors made in the decision, if it considers it appropriate to make corrections. A ruling on making a correction in the decision shall not be subject to appeal.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁶³. Types of decisions of the Disciplinary Chamber🔗

The Disciplinary Chamber is entitled to adopt one of the following decisions:

a) on leaving the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium unchanged, if the complaint concerns the decisions provided for by subparagraphs „b“–„e“ of paragraph 1 of Article 75⁴¹ of this Law;

b) on amending the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium, if the complaint concerns the decisions provided for by subparagraphs „c“ and „d“ of paragraph 1 of Article 75⁴¹ of this Law;

c) on annulling the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium and adopting a new decision, if the matter concerns the decisions provided for by subparagraphs „b“–„e“ of paragraph 1 of Article 75⁴¹ of this Law;

d) on annulling the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium and returning the case for re-examination.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁶⁴. Grounds for leaving the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium unchanged🔗

1. The Disciplinary Chamber adopts a decision on leaving the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium unchanged, if it is established that the Disciplinary Collegium lawfully acquitted the judge or terminated the disciplinary proceedings in respect of him/her, or gave a correct legal qualification to the disciplinary misconduct established at the Collegium's hearing, and at the same time imposed on the judge a lawful and fair disciplinary penalty or a measure of disciplinary influence.

2. In order to leave the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium unchanged, along with the existence of the circumstances defined by paragraph 1 of this Article, it is mandatory that the facts considered as established by the Disciplinary Collegium (the commission of the relevant disciplinary misconduct, the grounds for termination of the disciplinary case or for acquittal of the judge) also be confirmed at the hearing of the Disciplinary Chamber.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁶⁵. Grounds for changing a decision of the Disciplinary Collegium🔗

1. The Disciplinary Chamber shall adopt a decision on changing a decision of the Disciplinary Collegium if:

a) the Disciplinary Collegium gave an incorrect legal qualification to the acts committed by the judge and failed to correctly determine which disciplinary misconduct provided for by Article 75¹ of this Law was committed by the judge. The Disciplinary Chamber is entitled to reclassify the judge's act to any type of disciplinary misconduct provided for by Article 75¹ of this Law, to find the judge guilty of committing another disciplinary misconduct provided for by this Law as well, if this is covered by the factual circumstances of the disciplinary charge;

b) the Disciplinary Collegium applied an unlawful, unjust or inexpedient disciplinary penalty/penalties or a disciplinary measure. In this case the Disciplinary Chamber is entitled to:

b.a) leave the disciplinary penalty/penalties unchanged, remove it from the judge or apply a disciplinary measure to him/her;

b.b) change the disciplinary penalty/penalties and leave the disciplinary measure unchanged;

b.c) change the disciplinary penalty/penalties or apply the disciplinary measure provided for by paragraph 2 of Article 75³ of this Law;

b.d) change the disciplinary measure to any disciplinary penalty/penalties.

2. If the circumstances defined by subparagraphs "a" and "b" of paragraph 1 of this Article exist simultaneously, the Disciplinary Chamber shall adopt a decision on changing the legal qualification of the disciplinary misconduct committed by the judge, the disciplinary penalty imposed on the judge or the disciplinary measure, and, accordingly, on changing the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium in this part.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13.01.2022.

Article 75⁶⁶. Grounds for annulling a decision of the Disciplinary Collegium and adopting a new decision🔗

The Disciplinary Chamber shall adopt a decision on annulling a decision of the Disciplinary Collegium if the Disciplinary Collegium unlawfully acquitted the judge, unlawfully terminated the disciplinary case initiated against him/her, or unlawfully imposed disciplinary liability on him/her and applied a disciplinary penalty or a disciplinary measure. Upon annulling the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium, the Disciplinary Chamber is entitled to adopt any decision provided for by Article 75⁴¹ of this Law, except for the decision provided for by subparagraph "a" of paragraph 1 of the same Article.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁶⁷. Grounds for annulment of a decision of the Disciplinary Collegium and return of the case for re-examination🔗

The Disciplinary Chamber shall adopt a decision on annulment of the decision of the Disciplinary Collegium and return of the case for re-examination if:

a) the case was examined by an unlawful composition of the Disciplinary Collegium;

b) the Disciplinary Collegium examined the case in the absence of one of the parties, which was not notified of the hearing;

c) the decision was adopted on the basis of the examination of the case during which the rules of confidentiality of the proceedings were violated;

d) the decision is not sufficiently legally substantiated, or the substantiation is so incomplete that it is impossible to verify the legal substantiation of the decision;

e) the decision is unsigned by the chairperson of the hearing or the secretary;

f) the case file does not contain the minutes of the hearing of the Disciplinary Collegium.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁶⁸. Form of the decision of the Disciplinary Chamber🔗

1. The decision adopted by the Disciplinary Chamber on a disciplinary case shall be drawn up in writing. It shall be signed by the members of the Disciplinary Chamber.

2. Copies of the decision of the Disciplinary Chamber shall be sent to the High Council of Justice of Georgia, the parties to the proceedings, their representatives and the author of the complaint (application/notification).

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁶⁹. Enforcement of a decision adopted on a disciplinary case🔗

1. The High Council of Justice of Georgia or the Chairperson of the Supreme Court, within the scope of their competence, shall be responsible for the enforcement of a disciplinary penalty and a disciplinary measure.

2. A decision of the Disciplinary Collegium shall enter into legal force after the expiry of the time limit for appeal, while a decision of the Disciplinary Chamber – immediately.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁷⁰. Enforcement of a decision on dismissal from office of the chairperson of a court, the first deputy chairperson or deputy chairperson and the chairperson of a court collegium or chamber🔗

When imposing dismissal from office of the chairperson of a court, the first deputy chairperson or deputy chairperson and the chairperson of a court collegium or chamber as a disciplinary measure, the Disciplinary Collegium or the Disciplinary Chamber shall submit its decision that has entered into legal force for enforcement to the relevant body or official, namely, if the case concerns deputy chairpersons of the Supreme Court – to the Plenum of the Supreme Court, and in all other cases – to the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁷¹. Enforcement of the decision on dismissal of a judge from office🔗

When imposing dismissal of a judge from office as a disciplinary sanction, the Disciplinary Collegium or the Disciplinary Chamber shall submit its decision that has entered into legal force for enforcement to the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁷². Dismissal of a judge from office🔗

1. (Removed – 30.12.2021, No. 1346).

2. On the basis of a decision of the Disciplinary Collegium or the Disciplinary Chamber on dismissal of a judge from office that has entered into legal force and the corresponding submission, the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall, within 10 days of receipt of the submission, dismiss the judge from office.

3. A person who, for committing a disciplinary misconduct, was dismissed from the office of judge in accordance with the procedure established by this Law, loses the right to the appointment of the state compensation provided for by Article 70 of this Law.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 1346 of 30 December 2021 – website, 13.01.2022.

Article 75⁷³. Publication of decisions of the Disciplinary Collegium and the Disciplinary Chamber🔗

1. Decisions of the Disciplinary Collegium and the Disciplinary Chamber, without the judge's identifying data, unless the judge himself has requested publicity of the disciplinary proceedings, shall be published on the official website upon entry into legal force. A decision on dismissal of a judge from office shall be published in full.

2. Copies of decisions of the Disciplinary Collegium and the Disciplinary Chamber that have entered into legal force shall, upon request, be given to any person.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁷⁴. Obligation of a member of the Disciplinary Collegium and a member of the Disciplinary Chamber to protect the confidentiality of information related to a disciplinary case🔗

1. A member of the Disciplinary Collegium and a member of the Disciplinary Chamber shall be obliged to protect the confidentiality of information related to a disciplinary case, except where, in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 75⁴ of this Law, the judge has requested publicity of the disciplinary proceedings, and the secrecy of deliberations. This obligation shall not apply to information contained in decisions of the Disciplinary Collegium and the Disciplinary Chamber that have entered into legal force.

2. Failure to comply with the rule established by paragraph 1 of this Article shall be considered a disciplinary misconduct provided for by subparagraph „d.c“ of paragraph 8 of Article 75¹ of this Law and shall become grounds for removal of the judge from the composition of the Disciplinary Collegium or the Disciplinary Chamber, and may also become grounds for imposing disciplinary liability on him.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 5569 of 13 December 2019 – website, 25.12.2019.

Article 75⁷⁵. Reimbursement of travel expenses🔗

Travel expenses related to the exercise of disciplinary powers by the person conducting the disciplinary proceedings, the person bringing the disciplinary charge, as well as a member of the disciplinary collegium and a member of the disciplinary chamber, shall be reimbursed according to the place of service.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁷⁶. Expungement of a disciplinary penalty🔗

1. A reprimand shall be considered expunged after 6 months from its imposition, a censure – after 9 months, and a severe censure – after 1 year, if the judge does not commit a new disciplinary misconduct within this period.

2. A judge in respect of whom a judgment has been rendered on finding him/her guilty of committing a disciplinary misconduct, imposing disciplinary liability on him/her and addressing him/her in the form of a measure of disciplinary influence by a private recommendation letter, shall not be considered as having a disciplinary penalty.

3. Removal of a disciplinary penalty before the expiry of the relevant period established by paragraph 1 of this Article shall be inadmissible.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁷⁷. Restriction of a judge's right to promotion🔗

1. A judge who has been subjected to disciplinary liability by a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia or in respect of whom the imposed disciplinary penalty has not been expunged shall be restricted in the right to promotion for the relevant period.

2. The relevant body or official shall not appoint a judge to a court of a higher instance if he/she has been subjected to disciplinary liability by a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia, or if the disciplinary penalty imposed on him/her has not been expunged.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁷⁸. Inadmissibility of finding a judge guilty and imposing a disciplinary penalty on him/her on the same charge🔗

After a judge has been found guilty or acquitted by the disciplinary collegium or the disciplinary chamber, it shall be inadmissible to initiate disciplinary prosecution against him/her on the same ground, to subject him/her to disciplinary liability on the same charge, to find him/her guilty for the same act and to impose disciplinary liability and a penalty on him/her.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁷⁹. Storage of a disciplinary case🔗

1. A disciplinary case shall be stored in the disciplinary collegium and shall be inaccessible to other persons.

2. Sending a disciplinary case to the bodies or officials appointing judges to office shall be permitted only with the permission of the chairperson of the disciplinary collegium.

3. The storage period of a disciplinary case shall be 10 years.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 2194 of 20 April 2018 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 75⁸⁰. Statistical information🔗

1. Statistical information on the activity of the Disciplinary Collegium and on the disciplinary cases considered shall be periodically sent to the Conference of Judges of Georgia and the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

2. The transfer of the statistical information provided for by paragraph 1 of this article to other officials, institutions, as well as to representatives of the mass media shall be permitted only with the permission of the chairperson of the Disciplinary Collegium and in compliance with the restrictions established by this law for the purpose of ensuring the confidentiality of information.

Organic Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26 April 2018.

Article 76. Social protection of a judge🔗

Article 70 of this law shall apply to relations arising from 15 May 1999.

Article 77. Calculation of a judge's compensation🔗

1. A judge of the Supreme Court of Georgia whose powers were terminated on the basis of a personal application from 1 January 2005 to 1 January 2006 and who was assigned state compensation in the full amount of the salary for the period during which he/she was to exercise the powers of a judge of the Supreme Court, shall retain this compensation in the full amount of the salary, in accordance with the monthly change in the remuneration of a sitting judge of the Supreme Court. After the expiry of the said term of powers, the compensation shall be calculated in order to bring it into compliance with paragraph 1 of Article 70 of this law.

2. A judge (except a judge of the Supreme Court of Georgia) shall be assigned state compensation in the manner and amount established by the Law of Georgia "On State Compensation and State Academic Scholarship", if under the Organic Law of Georgia of 13 June 1997 "On Common Courts":

a) he/she was appointed to the position of a judge on the basis of Articles 46–49 and paragraph 2 of Article 85;

b) on the basis thereof he/she passed the mandatory qualification attestation and exercised judicial powers in a district (city), regional, as well as the supreme court of an autonomous republic within the term for which he/she was appointed to a district (city), Tbilisi city, as well as the supreme court of an autonomous republic;

c) on the basis of subparagraphs "l", "n" or "p" of paragraph 1 of Article 54, as well as paragraph 4 of Article 86¹, his/her judicial powers were terminated from 15 May 1999 and he/she has at least 10 years of service as a judge;

d) on the basis of paragraph 2 of Article 85², his/her powers were extended from 15 May 1999.

Article 78. Consideration of supervisory complaints🔗

Supervisory complaints submitted before 15 May 1999 against judgments of the common courts of Georgia that have entered into legal force, in respect of which supervisory proceedings have not been completed, as well as supervisory protests and submissions of the Supervisory Chamber, shall be considered by the Civil Cases Chamber of the Supreme Court of Georgia. Particularly complex cases and those cases that have been considered by the Supervisory Chamber, the Civil Cases Collegium and the Presidium of the Supreme Court of Georgia shall be considered by the full composition of those members of the Civil Cases Chamber who have not participated in the consideration of the case. This rule shall not apply to those who participated in the consideration of cases in the Supervisory Chamber of the Supreme Court of Georgia.

Article 79. Establishment of the rule for reimbursement of official business trip expenses for a judge of a common court and for the representative of the President of Georgia in the High Council of Justice of Georgia🔗

The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall ensure the establishment of the rule for reimbursement of official business trip expenses for a judge of a common court and for the representative of the President of Georgia in the High Council of Justice of Georgia in accordance with the requirements of subparagraph „d1“ of paragraph 1 of Article 49 and paragraph 7 of Article 68 of this Law.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3523 of 21 July 2010 - LHG I, No. 46, 04.08.2010, Art. 286

Organic Law of Georgia No. 4461 of 22 March 2011 - website, 01.04.2011

Article 79¹. Measures to be taken to introduce the position of court manager🔗

1. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall ensure the introduction of amendments to the relevant legal acts and the provision for the position of court manager in the structure of the apparatuses of the common courts.

2. Before the introduction of the position of court manager, the management of the court apparatus shall be carried out by the chairperson of the respective court.

Organic Law of Georgia No. 3523 of 2¹ July 2010 - LHG I, No. 46, 04.08.2010, Art. 286

Article 79². Appointment to positions of civil servants of the court apparatus before the entry into force of the new rule for the selection of a civil servant🔗

1. Before the appointment of paid interns in accordance with the rule for the selection of a civil servant of the court apparatus provided for by paragraph 1 of Article 57 of this Law, appointment to positions of civil servants of the court apparatus shall be carried out in accordance with the Law of Georgia “On Public Service”.

2. A person who has higher legal education and, as a rule, has completed a special training course at the Higher School of Justice or has at least 1 year of experience of working as a judge, prosecutor, investigator, lawyer or in court in the specialty, or has passed the judicial qualification exam, may be appointed as an assistant to a judge.

3. The court hearing secretary shall be appointed from among persons who, as a rule, have completed a special training course at the Higher School of Justice or have at least 1 year of experience of working as a court hearing secretary.

Organic Law of Georgia of 20 December 2011 No. 5529 - website, 28.12.2011.

Article 79³. Measures to be taken in connection with the creation of the Department of Common Courts🔗

1. The Department of Common Courts is the successor of the Department of Common Courts of the High Council of Justice of Georgia.

2. The Government of Georgia shall ensure, in connection with the creation of the Department of Common Courts:

a) the transfer of the budgetary appropriations of the Department of Common Courts of the High Council of Justice of Georgia to the Department of Common Courts in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia;

b) the transfer to the Department of Common Courts of the property necessary for its functioning in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia.

3. The High Council of Justice of Georgia shall ensure:

a) the approval of the Regulation of the Department of Common Courts;

b) the implementation of other organisational measures related to the creation of the Department of Common Courts.

Organic Law of Georgia of 20 December 2011 No. 5529 - website, 28.12.2011.

Article 79⁴. Rule for the appointment for an indefinite term to the office of a judge who was appointed to the office for a term of 3 years and who has at least 3 years of experience in judicial activity🔗

Before 1 July 2017, in respect of a judge appointed to the office for a term of 3 years who has at least 3 years of experience of working as a judge, upon his/her request, the verification procedures established by this Law shall be terminated and he/she shall be appointed to the office for an indefinite term until reaching the age determined by law, by a decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia (this decision of the High Council of Justice of Georgia shall be adopted by secret ballot, by at least 2/3 of the full composition of the High Council of Justice of Georgia), after successfully passing the interview, after studying the cases provided for by paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 36¹ and Articles 36² and 36³, Article 36⁴ of this Law, the points-based assessment system and after the completion of the interview, on the basis of forms filled in independently by the members of the High Council of Justice of Georgia. In the event of refusal to appoint the said judge to the office for an indefinite term, he/she shall continue exercising his/her powers within the remaining term of the 3-year judicial powers.

Law of Georgia of 16 June 2017 No. 1052 – website, 27.06.2017.

Article 79⁵. Rule for continuing the consideration of disciplinary cases pending in proceedings before the declaration as invalid of the Law of Georgia "On Disciplinary Responsibility of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia and Disciplinary Proceedings"🔗

The consideration of disciplinary cases pending in proceedings before the declaration as invalid of the Law of Georgia of 23 February 2000 No. 150-IIs "On Disciplinary Responsibility of Judges of the Common Courts of Georgia and Disciplinary Proceedings" shall continue in accordance with the procedure established by this Law.

Law of Georgia of 20 April 2018 No. 2194 – website, 26.04.2018.

Article 80. Entry into force of the Law🔗

1. This Law, except for paragraph 2 of Article 24 of this Law, shall enter into force upon publication.

2. Paragraph 2 of Article 24 of this Law shall enter into force from 1 January 2010.

3. Upon the entry into force of this Law, the following shall be declared invalid:

a) Organic Law of Georgia of 13 June 1997 "On Common Courts" (Parliamentary Herald, No. 33, 31 July, 1997, p. 75);

b) Organic Law of Georgia of 12 May 1999 "On the Supreme Court of Georgia" (Legislative Herald of Georgia, No. 14(21), 1999, Art. 62);

c) Law of Georgia of 25 June 1996 "On Guarantees of Social Protection of Members of the Supreme Court of Georgia" (Parliamentary Herald, No. 19-20, 30.07.96, p. 37);

d) Law of Georgia of 3 December 2002 "On Guarantees of Social and Legal Protection of Judges" (Legislative Herald of Georgia, No. 32, 20.12.2002, Art. 146).

President of Georgia

M. Saakashvili

Tbilisi,

4 December 2009.

No. 2257–IIs