U.S. Ambassador Richard Graber
Judicial Conference
September 16, 2008
Welcome to the conference on Judicial Reform -- Toward an Accountable Society
Let me thank the speakers and moderators who have accepted our invitation to participate in the conference. I would also like to thank the Minister of Justice, Jiri Pospisil and his ministry for cooperation in the preparation of the conference and also, to the CEELI Institute for a wonderful organization of this event. I would also like to thank the American Chamber of Commerce, its President Ales Bartunek, and Weston Stacey, for cooperating and graciously hosting the lunch today. My thanks go to my great colleague, Ambassador Duffield and the British Embassy for hosting a reception following the conference. Also, I would like to thank my colleagues Ambassador Elfenkamper from Germany, Ambassador Van Hoorn from the Netherlands, and Ambassador Klestil-Loffler from Austria for their cooperation and securing some outstanding speakers who you will hear later today. And most of all, I would like to thank all of you for participating, and I am looking forward to a productive conference.
Why are we here? Why are we discussing judicial reform? The answers are simple. Unfortunately, the implementation of those answers is neither simple nor quick. Nevertheless, like all important reforms, it is important to get started and to gather the best minds to chart a course. Let's begin with my own view of the simple answers: An independent but accountable judicial system is essential in any democracy. Such a system creates a lasting confidence and trust which, in turn, strengthens the underlying democracy. When citizens believe that they will at least receive a fair, unbiased hearing and an opportunity to present their case, their democracy grows stronger. Such a system is also attractive to investors. The more businesses understand the rules, the predictability, and the efficiency of a country's judicial system, the more likely they will be to invest their limited resources in that country. Strong judicial systems create a standard of conduct, a code of ethics to live by.
Strong judicial systems establish a set of rules to which all must adhere or face the consequences of violation.
Of course, no system is perfect. No democracy is perfect. Human beings are not perfect. Yet, we must constantly strive to improve accountability, trust, predictability, and efficiency. Today, we have brought together some of the finest legal minds from the Czech Republic, Europe, and the United States and some of the leaders of business and government from this country to discuss the state of the judicial system here; to examine, in a constructive way, what is working well and what is not; to consider whether best practices in neighboring countries and in the U.S. might serve as a model here; and to search for practical and lasting solutions.
As you all know, we are in the midst of election season in the Czech Republic. As such, there may be temptations to score political points. That is not our purpose. Our sole purpose is to advance the judicial reform agenda in the Czech Republic in a way that is beneficial to the country--not a particular political party or a particular politician.
We will begin our day with remarks by Minister Pospíšil and former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States Louis Freeh. Following a break, our first panel will focus on the importance of judicial independence. During our working lunch, we will hear Ales Bartunek outline the business community perspective. Our second panel will explore European models related to a code of ethics and the applicability of those models to the Czech Republic. Our final panel will discuss areas where legislation and education is needed. We will conclude our day at the British Embassy where Ambassador Duffield has graciously offered to host a reception.
At this time, it is my great pleasure to introduce the Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Legislative Council of the Czech Republic Jiří Pospíšil. Minister Pospíšil was born and educated in Plzen. He received his doctorate in jurisprudence in 2002. Also in 2002, the Minister was elected for the first time to the House of Deputies of the Parliament. He was re-elected in 2006. While in office, the Minister has served on the Constitutional and Legal Committee, has been a member of the Board for Matters related to the Constitution, and has served as Chairman of the Subcommittee for the Justice of the Constitutional and Legal Committee. As Justice Minister, he has worked tirelessly to begin the difficult process of judicial reform. Please welcome Justice Minister Jiří Pospíšil.
