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Effects and execution of the constitutional review judgments

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Execution and effect of the constitutional

review judgments in Estonia

Execution and effect of the constitutional

review judgments in Estonia

Gea SuumannAnalyst of the Supreme Court of

Estoniain constitutional review matters

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Effects and execution of the constitutional review judgments

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The Supreme Court of Estonia

The Supreme Court of Estonia

The court of highest court in the state Reviews appeals in cassation

in civil, criminal and administrative law matters Court of constitutional review.

Acts on the basis of the requests of: President of the Republic Chancellor of Justice Courts or a Chamber of the Supreme Court Local Governments

The Supreme Court en banc (all 19 judges together) can adjudicate an appeal in cassation and the constitutionality of a pertinent norm at the same time

Decisions are available at http://www.riigikohus.ee

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Outline of the presentationOutline of the presentation Examine the consequences within the

legal framework and judicial practice after the Supreme Court has declared a norm unconstitutional and invalid, or ascertained a legal gap.

Take into consideration of the constitutional review practice in 1.01.2004 – 31.12.2008

Deal with the execution of judgments in three problematic spheres:1. Electoral principles2. Judicial proceedings3. Ownership reform

QuestionsQuestions

Norms substantively amended?Legal gaps filled?Effects of “alleviating” judgments?

* * *Reactions of the legislator and the

courts?Necessity for additional legal

guarantees?

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(1) ELECTORAL PRINCIPLES (1) ELECTORAL PRINCIPLES

1. 19 April 2005 case No 3-4-1-1-05 Prohibition of election coalitions for the next local government councils' elections

=> Election coalitions are still allowed

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(1) ELECTORAL PRINCIPLES (1) ELECTORAL PRINCIPLES

2. 14 Oct 2005 case No 3-4-1-11-05 Right of the Members of the Parliament to be members of the Local Government Councils as well

=> Sitting ‘in two chairs’ is not allowed

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(2) JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS(2) JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS

1. 6 Jan 2004 cases No 3-1-3-13-03 and 3-3-2-1-04

Re-opening of proceedings subsequent to judgments of the European Court of Human Rights

=> guarantees ensuring the full observance of the Convention have been enacted

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(2) JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS(2) JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS

2. 25 March 2004 case No 3-4-1-1-04 Right to submit appeals against rulings on dismissal of complaints in misdemeanour proceedings

=> rulings on refusal to accept an appeal are contestable

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(2) JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS(2) JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS3. 9 April 2008 case No 3-4-1-20-07

Right of appeal in civil proceedings, against a ruling on dismissal of an application for securing an action, by which the security paid is transferred into the public revenues

=> applicants no longer incur negative property consequences when submitting applications for securing an action, should these actions be dismissed

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(2) JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS(2) JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS

4. 16 May 2008 case No 3-1-1-88-07 Right of appeal in misdemeanour proceedings, against a decision on confiscation of a transport vehicle belonging to a person not participating in the proceeding

=> no definitive change in legislation; no judicial practice either

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(2) JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS(2) JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS

5. 16 May 2008 case No 3-1-1-86-07 Prohibition to delegate penal power of the state

=> no alternative legislation, but full implementation of the Supreme Court judgment

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(3) OWNERSHIP REFORM (3) OWNERSHIP REFORM

1. Case No 3-3-1-63-05 (judgments from 12 Apr 2006 and 12 Dec 2006), 31 Jan 2007 case No 3-4-1-14-06Rights of persons who left Estonia on the basis of an agreement entered into with the German state in 1941

=> no alternative legislation, but invalidation of the ambiguous norm has enabled the implementation of the general procedure

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(3) OWNERSHIP REFORM(3) OWNERSHIP REFORM

2. 30 April 2004 case No 3-4-1-3-04 Obligation of the owner of an immovable to tolerate utility networks and utility works on its immovable or land

=>obligation to tolerate utility networks is more restricted and it is possible to demand the removal of utility networks. A charge for the toleration is established.

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ConclusionsConclusions The constitutional court as a negative legislator.

Nevertheless, it assumes preventive influence Addressees of the constitutional review judgments:

all state powers The legislator is under constraint, to maintain its

authority The self-regulative effect of the Supreme Court’s

interpretations - no need for direct coercive measures Execution of the judgments is guaranteed through the

public pressure which motivates the legislator to act voluntarily

Authority of the Supreme Court is guaranteed by the strength of the argumentation of its judgments

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Thank you!Questions?

Thank you!Questions?

Gea SuumannTelephone (+372) 730 9044

E-mail gea.suumann@riigikohus.eeWebpage http://www.riigikohus.ee