Estonia judiciary has undergone several judicial reforms to restore democratic independence in Estonia. The
Estonia judiciary aims to create an efficient court system based on the Western European model. The present Judiciary in Estonia is independent of any political affiliation.
The present court system of Estonia is governed by the Chapter 13 of their constitution and as stated by the constitution, the justice in Estonia is administered by the courts of law. The power of judicial body is vested in the hands of the courts of Law. The judicial system of Estonia comprises:
- County and city and administrative courts
- Circuit courts
- Supreme courts
The first level court of the hierarchy of the judiciary of Estonia is the County and city administrative court. The criminal and civil cases are dealt by the County and city courts. Administrative courts investigate cases which they are given the right to deal with.
Circuit courts or second level court hears the appeals from the first level courts. The Supreme court is the final authority of the judiciary of Estonia. They look into the court decisions appealed to them. The responsibility of the Supreme Court is distributed among
- Civil Chamber
- Criminal Chamber
- Administrative Law Chamber
- Constitutional Review Chamber
- General Assembly of the Supreme Court ( including all members)
To become the judge in Estonia, one has to be highly educated and of high moral character and must have 25 years of experience (30 for Supreme Court) and has to undergo the test conducted by the Judges Examination Commission. Estonia judiciary strives to give justice to all the citizens of the country.
