Skip to main content

Justice served is the eternal benchmark of the judicial profession

Independent administration of justice is an indispensable element of our democratic, constitutional state, said President Tamás Sulyok.

At a ceremony organised by the National Office for the Judiciary to mark Courts Day, the President emphasised in his speech that "the legally regulated functioning of the courts is a fundamental constitutional value and a guarantee of equality before the law for citizens."

According to the Head of State, an independent judiciary, whose roots date back to the era of the Compromise, is an indispensable element of our modern democratic state under the rule of law.

The responsible work of judges, which shapes the life of the state and the moral framework of society, requires guarantees of independence, which remain firmly in place today," said the Head of State, adding that "the three pillars of the judiciary—the principles of independence, impartiality, and irremovability—and the primacy of their application, are steadfast.

"Maintaining a legal system that operates in accordance with the rule of law is in itself impressive, but there are other factors that contribute to this, stated the Head of State, emphasising that judges involved in the administration of justice must never neglect what is truly right; seeking it and enforcing it as far as possible is the eternal measure of their profession.”

The head of state recalled that the settlement of disputes and the enforcement of the law what is right have always been and remain a central issue for people.

"Even today, we look to judicial decisions to pronounce what is right, to make binding decisions that must be respected, to shape the destinies of individuals and of key assets, and to resolve many pressing questions," he added.

"Many abilities and skills are required to be a judge," the Head of State pointed out, adding that judges must be quick but thorough, knowledgeable in law, never biased, and above all fair, reputable and irreproachable. A judge must be a person who can see through complex situations and cannot be misled by false claims, and is both fair and compassionate.

Tamás Sulyok said that judges do not simply fight against wrongdoing, but also work in pursuit of what is right. They safeguard the peace, order and tranquillity of society, affirming that our guiding principles are order, normalcy, and structure, while our ultimate goals are justice and the well-being of citizens.

"In order to fully realise these fundamental values, it is important to raise awareness of their role and the benefits they provide, which are perceptible to everyone," said the Head of State, emphasising that "this includes treating the courts, which serve as guardians of the rule of law, with respect."