A two-day training seminar on the drafting of criminal judgments was held on 6–7 May 2026 in Sarajevo, bringing together judges and legal advisors from across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The training focused on the right to a reasoned judgment as an essential element of the right to a fair trial guaranteed under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Participants examined the importance of clear and well-reasoned judicial decisions in demonstrating that parties’ arguments have been duly considered, strengthening public confidence in the judiciary, and ensuring effective review through available legal remedies.

The programme covered key aspects of judgment drafting, including the preparation of factual and legal findings, the structure and content of judicial reasoning, and the language and style of judgments. The second day of the seminar focused on the mandatory content of detention orders and the standards developed by the European Court of Human Rights concerning the imposition and extension of pre-trial detention.

Participants analysed relevant case law and discussed practical challenges encountered in judicial practice and were given a chance to apply new knowledge in drafting of judgements based on real-world examples.

The round table discussion was held as part of the Council of Europe project “Support to a coherent national implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights and facilitating execution of ECtHR judgments in Bosnia and Herzegovina - Phase II”, which is funded through the Action plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina for the period 2026-2029.