MADRID, 22 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) –
More than 80% of Spanish judges are extremely concerned about the “loss of respect for the Judiciary by the Government”, according to the Spanish part of a survey carried out in more than nine countries of the Collaborative International Research Network on Innovation Judicial and which spread to Spain thanks to the collaboration of the Professional Association of the Judiciary (APM), the majority in the judicial career.
Although the study, led by academics from the University of Newcastle (Australia) and the University of Technology Dublin (Ireland), and sponsored by the American Law Association
Thus, specifically 82% of the judges who participated in the survey are extremely concerned about the “loss of respect for the Judiciary by the Government”, according to the statement released by APM. In fact, 63% feel that the Executive does not value their work. In addition, 53% also express concern about the “loss of judicial independence.”
Regarding the use of new technologies, the majority of the judges surveyed do not believe that they will be replaced by them. In this sense, 67% consider that they make their work easier. However, in general terms, “they see the technology as positive, but they demand quality implementation in the courts.”
The study reveals that the coronavirus pandemic has served to encourage telematic hearings. However, “playback and video equipment for trial teleconferencing, quality Internet access in the courtroom, and remote technical support are all criticized as ‘poor’.”
Consequently, the majority of judges surveyed “opposed the use of remote trials, hearings or appearances due to the large number of suspensions they produce.” On the other hand, the new procedural management systems are considered adequate but quality training on them is requested.
On the other hand, those questioned denounced “the heavy workload, the low quality of the judicial facilities, their maintenance and the work or meeting space.” However, they describe both the work of the justice administration officials and the work environment in the judicial office as “good.”
