Are there lower courts besides the SCJ where the judges award cases to the highest payers? (Had in interesting conversation in Europe once with a Russian judge who explained how she pretty much knew from experience what the going rates were for various judges and types of cases if you wanted to win.)
Oh yes, I suppose we're writing a lot about judicial reform without talking enough about judicial corruption. I'll have to correct that in a future article.
Many judges are corrupt unfortunately. I don't know what the "going rate" is but it would depend a lot on what kind of case it is or whether the judge oversees any special areas. The single judge who facilitated 50-70 billion dollars of Russian money laundering through Moldova via enforcement of false contracts probably got paid more than someone who drops a traffic ticket :)
Unfortunately there are lots of examples. Ilan Shor's case has been in court for 4+ years. Each month they meet, each month the defense asks for another month, each month the prosecutors protest, each month the judge gavels them out for another month. I wonder how much that treatment is worth?
I'll think on a good way to write this up for an article explaining justice reform soon.
I am always amazed at the detail that you dive into for these reports. So much to cover, so many views, so much controversy. I'll bet this has turned into a full-time job for you. I am happy to receive your postings as I feel a lot closer to Moldova from afar. It's been 5 years already since I closed my service. And sooooo much has gone on. I hope to return to visit in 2024.
Are there lower courts besides the SCJ where the judges award cases to the highest payers? (Had in interesting conversation in Europe once with a Russian judge who explained how she pretty much knew from experience what the going rates were for various judges and types of cases if you wanted to win.)
Oh yes, I suppose we're writing a lot about judicial reform without talking enough about judicial corruption. I'll have to correct that in a future article.
Many judges are corrupt unfortunately. I don't know what the "going rate" is but it would depend a lot on what kind of case it is or whether the judge oversees any special areas. The single judge who facilitated 50-70 billion dollars of Russian money laundering through Moldova via enforcement of false contracts probably got paid more than someone who drops a traffic ticket :)
Unfortunately there are lots of examples. Ilan Shor's case has been in court for 4+ years. Each month they meet, each month the defense asks for another month, each month the prosecutors protest, each month the judge gavels them out for another month. I wonder how much that treatment is worth?
I'll think on a good way to write this up for an article explaining justice reform soon.
I am always amazed at the detail that you dive into for these reports. So much to cover, so many views, so much controversy. I'll bet this has turned into a full-time job for you. I am happy to receive your postings as I feel a lot closer to Moldova from afar. It's been 5 years already since I closed my service. And sooooo much has gone on. I hope to return to visit in 2024.
Thanks Denise! I hope you get a chance to come visit - let me know if you do!
I hope to meet you at the Tap Toom today as I have questions for you.
Carla Barnes from Seattle