As masters of jurisprudence, jurisconsults play an essential role in advising judges and ensuring consistency of case-law. To further strengthen its institutional and research capacities, the Constitutional Court of Kosovo* has embarked upon the establishment of a dedicated Jurisconsult Unit, with the guidance of Ms Anna Austin, Jurisconsult of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).
Through professional interaction and exchange, 32 judges, legal advisors, and associates of the Constitutional Court of Kosovo* had the unique opportunity to learn from the comprehensive experience of the ECtHR Jurisconsult at the occasion of a workshop, which was held on 5 and 6 April 2024 in Pristina.
Ms Austin presented key organisational strategies, methods, and tools deployed by the ECtHR Jurisconsult Department, including case law monitoring, research work, and standard citations. In addition, participants learned about essential features of the coordination and update of the ECtHR HUDOC case law database and knowledge-sharing platforms and initiatives established by the ECtHR Jurisconsult Department, also for the purpose of the Superior Courts Network (SCN).
The importance of encouraging creativity, life-long learning, and specialisation was at the heart of discussions, which highlighted the continued need for investment in relevant IT services. The group also reviewed management of the Court’s Library catalogues and carried a joint analysis of recent developments in ECtHR case law.
As a result of this rich exchange with the ECtHR Jurisconsult, the Constitutional Court of Kosovo* has made a leap towards structuring its Jurisconsult Unit, which the Council of Europe will further support through training of staff, peer-to-peer exchange, upgrade of its case law database, and development of new knowledge-sharing tools.
[1]All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions, or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United National Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.
