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PRINCIPLES OF THE INTERIM CODE OF CONDUCT AND CORRUPTION PREVENTION FOR THE STAFF WITHIN THE BRCKO DISTRICT JUDICIAL SYSTEM

BRCKO LAW REVISION COMMISSION

April 2, 2001

Convinced that corruption represents a serious threat to the rule of law, democracy, human rights, equity, and social justice, that it hinders economic development and endangers the stability of democratic institutions and the moral foundations of society, the staff of the Brcko District judiciary shall abide by the following principles:

PRINCIPLES OF THE INTERIM CODE OF CONDUCT AND CORRUPTION PREVENTION FOR THE STAFF WITHIN THE BRCKO DISTRICT JUDICIAL SYSTEM AIM:

The aim of the Interim Code is to:

1) uphold the rights of the natural and legal persons of the Brcko District and their right to have a judicial system that conducts its business efficiently, fairly, impartially and with integrity;
2) provide the staff within the judicial system with standards and guidelines of expected behavior;
3) to eradicate and prevent corruption within the Brcko District judiciary.

RIGHTS & OBLIGATIONS:

The Interim Code shall rests upon the following rights and obligations:

Public Confidence

  • The public has the right to expect the judicial system to treat all natural and legal persons fairly, honestly and equitably. Public confidence is inspired if the staff within the judicial system carry out their duties with loyalty to the public interest, impartially and with professionalism.

Responsibility to the Judiciary

  • The judiciary is entitled to expect employees working within the judicial system to provide impartial, swift and accurate advice and to carry out their functions as directed by the Presidents of the Courts, the Prosecutor and Director of the Agency for Legal Aid, promptly, efficiently and effectively.

Rights of the Staff of the Judiciary

  • The staff of the judiciary are entitled to the rights applicable to every citizen and those rights as employees of the Brcko District and its legal framework.

VALUES:

    The Interim Code shall be based on the following values:
  • to uphold the Rule of Law in Brcko District
  • integrity
  • honesty
  • loyalty to the public interest
  • fairness
  • conscientiousness
  • compassion
  • professionalism

BREACH:

A breach of the Interim Code may constitute a criminal offense and be subject to criminal charges. Sanctions provided for under the terms and conditions of employment as a Brcko District employee may be applied if the Interim Code is breached.

Examples of Breaches

  • To show favor or bias to a particular person in return for a gift or benefit
  • A breach of secrecy provisions
  • To apply public property to personal use, such as the use of Office equipment without authority

PRINCIPLES OF THE INTERIM CODE

1. IMPARTIALITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION

You must be impartial and provide equal services to everyone entitled to services from the Brcko District judicial system.

2. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR

You must demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, honesty and truthfulness in all professional and personal dealings.

You must behave toward all persons with respect, courtesy, and professionalism, acting always to promote public esteem in the judicial system and working to the best of ones ability.

You must refrain from actions that are or might appear as improper, which could diminish the honor of the court.

You must not engage in any discriminatory actions against your colleagues.

3. GIFTS OR BENEFITS

Gifts or benefits are not to be solicited or accepted.

4. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PUBLIC COMMENT

The disclosure of information obtained in the course of employment, and the making of public comment shall be forbidden unless expressly permitted by law and approved by the Presidents of the Courts.

5. IT IS FORBIDDEN TO OFFER OR PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE

You must provide a helpful service to the public without giving legal advice.

6. COMMITMENT TO SERVICE

You must provide a high standard of service in an efficient, effective, economical and timely manner.

7. COMPETENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

You must be competent and accountable.

8. POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IS FORBIDDEN

You must not engage in any political activity directly or indirectly while employed with the Brcko District judicial system.

9. ANTI-CORRUPTION

You must be vigilant regarding perceived, actual and potential corruption.


Office of the High Representative