Rule of Law Academy for Ukrainian Judges

Course Overview:

The rule of law is a fundamental value that unites the legal systems of Ukraine and the United Kingdom. In the context of the ongoing war and Ukraine's aspirations for European integration, judicial reform continues to be a matter of strategic importance. An independent, professional and accountable judiciary is not merely a domestic necessity - it is a prerequisite for the country's reconstruction and its integration into the European legal order.

Building on its extensive expertise including the ongoing project on the Dynamics of the Judiciary in Ukraine in the Context of the Rule of Law and the EU Accession Aspirations, BIICL is delighted to host this first edition of the Rule of Law Academy for Ukrainian Judges as a platform for exchange of legal knowledge, experience and best practices among the UK and Ukrainian legal professionals both in peacetime and during the war.

The weeklong programme will provide participants with up-to-date knowledge of contemporary rule-of-law concepts and challenges, the court system of England and Wales, and the application of international law in domestic courts. It will facilitate dialogue between Ukrainian legal professionals and the UK judges, academics and lawyers. Also, it will contribute to building a stable network of UK-Ukrainian legal contacts.

Course Topics

• Evolving rule of law standards - Lord Bingham's approach and the Venice Commission Checklist.
• Rule of law as a European value. Contemporary challenges: populism, democratic backsliding, and emergency governance.
• Litigation in the UK Courts
• Application of the EU acquis by the UK courts: lessons for Ukraine
• Structural judicial reform in England and Wales
• Selection and appointment of judges in England and Wales.
• Conduct and Disciplinary liability of judges
• Communication by courts and judges: transparency, media engagement and public trust
• Judicial Wellbeing and the mental health of judges

A detailed programme will be provided to the registered participants 

Course Leaders

Dr. Sergii Koziakov,  Associate Professor at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and Research Leader, BIICL
Prof. Tetyana Antsupova, former judge of the Supreme Court in Ukraine (Grand Chamber) and Senior Research Fellow, BIICL

Programme Format

The programme will be delivered by a mixed faculty of the UK and Ukrainian judges, academics and practitioners. The programme is designed to be interactive and active learner participation in discussions is encouraged and expected.

Language

The course will be delivered through a combination of English and Ukrainian. Interpretation services (English to Ukrainian) will be available if required.

*This Page is also available in Ukrainian.

Intended Audience

The first edition of the programme (September 2026) is intended for an audience composed of current and prospective judges and members of judicial governing and self-governing bodies in Ukraine. Registration details are below.