Parliament, in an expedited procedure and at the third reading, adopted the amendments to the Law of Georgia on Common Courts along with its accompanying draft laws, with 80 votes in favour.

The legislative package expands the range of subjects considered to be engaged in unlawful communication with a judge. According to the new definition, an individual will be considered as such if they attempt improper communication with a judge in order to influence the independence of the judge or the judiciary as a whole.

Additionally, the mechanism for preventing any form of influence on judges and interference with the independence of the judiciary is further refined.

The legislative amendments stipulate the following: Any form of disrespect toward a judge, in any setting and under any circumstances, that relates to their judicial status, is prohibited; Judicial acts will become publicly accessible only after the court’s final decision enters into legal force; Narrow judicial specialisation may be introduced not only in the first and second instance courts but also in the Supreme Court; The term of office for judges in certain positions is extended; The scope of powers of the Chairperson of the Supreme Court is clarified; The High Council of Justice is authorised to determine narrow specialisations for judges in the Supreme Court; A detailed procedure is defined for obtaining the consent of the High Council of Justice regarding a judge’s engagement in scientific or pedagogical activities, as well as for receiving benefits as stipulated under the Law on the Fight Against Corruption.