Overview of the Judicial Administration by Villu Kõve, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.
Date: 2024-06-12 17:03
Total Speeches: 66
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 46m
AI Summaries: 66/66 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Villu Kõve presented the Riigikogu (Parliament) with a comprehensive overview of the organization of the courts, the administration of justice, and the uniform application of laws. He affirmed the general functioning and independence of the judicial system but highlighted alarming trends regarding the lengthening of proceedings times. Although the Estonian court system remains efficient in international comparison, processing times have domestically increased in civil, criminal, and especially administrative cases. Kõve emphasized that the situation in the Administrative Chamber of the Tallinn Circuit Court is critical; due to the accumulation of cases, the processing time may extend up to two years. Kõve cited the increasing complexity and volume of cases, the generational change among judges, and the shortage of qualified lawyers and forensic experts as the main reasons. He reiterated his earlier calls to simplify the general procedure for criminal proceedings and urged the legislature to contribute to the quality of law-making, avoiding over-regulation. Kõve also introduced the development directions of the court system, including taking over judicial administration from the Ministry of Justice, the possible merger of courts, and the application of artificial intelligence. The round of questions addressed the quality of legal education, the low pass rate of judicial exams, and the Supreme Court's slow reaction in making substantive decisions regarding COVID-era restrictions and e-election disputes.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Varro Vooglaid (EKRE, right-wing), who posed several critical questions and delivered a lengthy speech, focusing on the Supreme Court’s sluggishness and its failure to take substantive positions when assessing the legality of e-elections and the restrictions imposed during the COVID era.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu hears a report by Villu Kõve, the Chairman of the Supreme Court, on the organization of the courts, the administration of justice, and the uniform application of laws.
Riigikohtu esimees Villu Kõve
AI Summary
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Villu Kõve stated that the Estonian court system is independent and generally functional, but last year saw a significant increase in the length of proceedings and the workload of administrative and circuit courts. This situation, combined with the aging personnel of judges and court officials and limitations on funding, requires comprehensive reforms and clear budgetary choices, although overall public confidence in the system remains high.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He/She confirms that it is a great honor to grant you five extra minutes.
Riigikohtu esimees Villu Kõve
AI Summary
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Villu Kõve, acknowledged that the judicial system faces heavy workloads, a lack of funding, and a shortage of experts. He then presented the direction for reforms, which encompasses the merging of courts, changes to the judicial administration model, the introduction of artificial intelligence and robotic assistants, options for part-time work and temporary judicial service, and legislative and budgetary support from the Riigikogu.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked the speaker for the professional presentation and mentioned that the Riigikogu members still had questions, inviting Kalle Laanet to take the floor.

Kalle Laanet
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Kalle Laanet asked the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in the Constitutional Committee whether the number of surveillance warrants issued last year (999 new warrants, of which the court granted 473) was sufficient, too high, or too low, citing the criticism raised by the Prosecutor General regarding the court's speed and adequacy.
Riigikohtu esimees Villu Kõve
AI Summary
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Villu Kõve, said that he couldn't give a more precise answer right now and would look into the matter. However, to his knowledge, neither the courts nor the Prosecutor General's Office have voiced any concerns, and he believes the court should substantively assess the need for surveillance warrants, adding that the delay might be due to internal organizational issues.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Eduard Odinets to come forward and speak.
Eduard Odinets
AI Summary
Eduard Odinets pointed out the concern that even though the total number of court cases across all types has decreased, the number of administrative cases has grown by about 10%; processing speed has dropped, cases are piling up, and the overall situation is deteriorating. He is asking a larger audience why this illogical connection is the case.
Riigikohtu esimees Villu Kõve
AI Summary
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Villu Kõve stated that the volume and complexity of administrative and criminal cases have increased, necessitating improved training and more flexible work organization. Furthermore, the generational shift, coupled with the differing expectations and lifestyles of younger judges, creates challenges during these transitional times and highlights the need for better work-life balance.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to take the floor.

Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The speaker emphasizes that judges face an increased workload stemming from the need for supplementary interpretation of laws and the shortcomings in the work of the legislature. He/she requests that immediate recommendations be given to the legislature on how to alleviate this burden, and that specific bills that might contribute to this workload be identified.
Riigikohtu esimees Villu Kõve
AI Summary
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Villu Kõve stated that the number of constitutional disputes is rising and differing interpretations of the constitution continue. He noted that the massive and highly detailed regulations emanating from Brussels complicate interpretation and increase the grounds for litigation. Consequently, he called for creative, abstract legislative drafting and high-quality training for legislative lawyers, warning that failure to do so would lead to an increased volume of disputes and a lack of depth in the drafting of legislation.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Mait Klaassen is invited to the stage at the beginning of the address.

Mait Klaassen
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The presenter thanked the audience for the honest overview, highlighted a problem in legal education regarding the training of lawyers, pointed out that lawyers will soon be taught at several universities, and stated that the judicial system needs to cherry-pick the most talented candidates. The presenter then asked whether the solution is to increase the number of students or to modify the curriculum, referencing new areas of law such as environmental law.
Riigikohtu esimees Villu Kõve
AI Summary
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Villu Kõve highlighted that Estonian legal education is in crisis: the curricula and the quality of foundational legal education are fragmented, and there is a lack of systematic preparation for young professionals. Consequently, the state must establish requirements and direct funding to guarantee high-quality and integrated learning.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech is merely a request to invite Irja Lutsar.

Irja Lutsar
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Irja Lutsar thanked the speaker for the thorough presentation and posed a question about the extent to which COVID restrictions can be assessed retrospectively, and how to interpret decisions that have been declared null and void in court proceedings.
Riigikohtu esimees Villu Kõve
AI Summary
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Villu Kõve stated that the assessment of responsibility must be based on the norms and the expected situation that were in force at the time of the action, rather than on subsequent, retrospective understandings. Administrative acts must be evaluated according to the status valid at the moment they were issued, and proceedings in COVID-related cases are still pending, meaning there are no final positions.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi invited Urve Tiidus onto the stage.

Urve Tiidus
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The presentation highlighted the crucial importance of judicial succession, noting that while the number of participants taking the judicial exam has increased, the success rate has dropped to less than a third. This raises the question of whether these individuals will reapply and what their subsequent career path will be.
Riigikohtu esimees Villu Kõve
AI Summary
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Villu Kõve said that precise data on those returning to retake the exam is currently unavailable, but it will be forwarded later. He noted that some attempt the exam repeatedly—some continue until the end, some give up—and there are discussions about whether to accept a candidate on their final attempt. However, according to him, the bar for becoming a judge must be higher, because a large number of people enter the system without taking the exam, and they have considered implementing a joint exam with the Bar Association.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi addresses Liina Kersna and asks her for something.

Liina Kersna
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Liina Kersna asks why only a third passes the judge's exam—does this reflect poor legal education or too high a bar—and cites as an example the integrated study model used in teacher training colleges, where qualification is acquired after completing bachelor's and master's studies and defending the master's thesis, suggesting that the same model could be applied to legal education.
Riigikohtu esimees Villu Kõve
AI Summary
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Villu Kõve supported integrated legal education, but noted that current law does not allow it, and called on Estonia to introduce freedom of choice and reform the study and examination structure, taking into account the differences between universities, especially the standard of graduates from the University of Tartu.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi addressed Anti Poolamets with a request.

Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The presenter emphasized that the crucial ruling related to the violation of the restriction on official actions operates within a complex domain, and that it is of interest to both public servants and local government politicians; clarification was also requested regarding its significance and how it helped us progress.
Riigikohtu esimees Villu Kõve
AI Summary
I apologize that I don't have the full texts of the rulings immediately available here. I will review the materials I received from my colleagues and provide my opinion later, as the discussion regarding what is permitted and what is prohibited is ongoing, and the Criminal Chamber has recently issued a very significant decision.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Kalle Grünthal is requested to come and speak.

Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal states that electronic voting generates widespread controversy and numerous election complaints, some of which are left unexamined or deemed unlawful. Consequently, the Supreme Court is overburdened, and cognitive dissonance arises when many people believe that something is wrong, but the court either dismisses their claims or finds them inadmissible. He asks what measures would be necessary to overcome this contradiction.
Riigikohtu esimees Villu Kõve
AI Summary
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Villu Kõve stated that most complaints relate to e-voting, and there have been slightly fewer of them in the recent elections. He noted that the risk concerning voting via ID card has been known since 2005, but so far, no reason to intervene has been found. Currently, one larger complaint dealing with the specifics of e-voting is being processed, the resolution of which the Electoral Commission is awaiting, and depending on its potential further resolution, the case may reach the Supreme Court.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Vice-Chairman asks Kert Kingo to come forward.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo thanked the presiding officer and asked for a comment regarding the judicial reform, noting that judges have shown considerable dissatisfaction with the reform.
Riigikohtu esimees Villu Kõve
AI Summary
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Villu Kõve stated that any stagnation constitutes regression, and within the framework of the development plan, the court system must achieve greater efficiency with limited funds. This involves focusing on taking over court administration and discussing the potential merger of courts, a topic on which various opinions have been expressed. The greatest concern, he noted, is the issue of budget cuts and filling judicial vacancies in light of the new year’s budget.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Toomas Kivimägi turned to Varro Vooglaid and asked him.

Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
In his speech, Varro Vooglaid asks why the Supreme Court has failed to take a substantive position on the legality of the corona restrictions 2.5 years after they were imposed, despite the fact that relevant cases have arisen and the Chancellor of Justice has recommended complying with the restrictions.
Riigikohtu esimees Villu Kõve
AI Summary
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Villu Kõve, stated that he certainly does not agree with that, and we have numerous decisions concerning restrictions. This includes the Civil Chamber having referred a question to the European Court of Justice for a preliminary ruling on the validity of the vaccination mandate—specifically, whether the vaccination requirement, which is a prerequisite for the continuation of an employment contract, complies with European Union law—and this, to my knowledge, has been sent to the ECJ. Furthermore, there are indeed several rulings in the Administrative Chamber, and many of them are currently under review.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The rapporteur requests that you do not answer personally, but instead allow the President of the Supreme Court to respond.
Riigikohtu esimees Villu Kõve
AI Summary
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Villu Kõve acknowledged that administrative and overall performance has seriously declined, and proceedings are dragging on, especially concerning the Tallinn Circuit Court, mainly due to a lack of resources. He noted that although measures are being taken and disciplinary proceedings have been initiated, the Chief Justice cannot directly intervene in the proceedings.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Priit Sibul is invited to the stage to perform.

Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul is asking how acutely courts feel the impact of public pressure and ideological expectations, and whether they are expected to deliver decisions that are 'right'—even if they aren't strictly legal.
Riigikohtu esimees Villu Kõve
AI Summary
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Villu Kõve emphasizes that a correct decision must be lawful, and judges must make sound decisions based on the law and their conscience, endure criticism and public pressure, and not allow themselves to be broken.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi made a brief request: "Aivar Kokk, please!"

Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk criticizes the fact that even in cases involving damages of just 7–9 euros or 200 euros, court disputes can drag on for years, causing people's work, rights, and lives to suffer. This is why the justice system needs to be accelerated.
Riigikohtu esimees Villu Kõve
AI Summary
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Villu Kõve noted that criminal proceedings drag on for too long—from the preliminary investigation until reaching the court—and even in cases of small debts and thefts, matters remain unresolved, which reduces the public's sense of security. He added that it is necessary to reform the system of proceedings, speed up processes, and clarify the criteria for the prosecution to file charges.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The announcement is simply asking Rain Epler to come up on stage.

Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler criticized the delays and questioned whether the Riigikogu annual report is sufficient as a motivator for taking feedback seriously, adding that if the prolonged responses continue, there should also be some consequence for them.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi expresses his gratitude.

Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker discusses whether changes need to be made to the frames, and asks what the judges' motivation might be.
Riigikohtu esimees Villu Kõve
AI Summary
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Villu Kõve emphasized that the court system must resolve the majority of cases sequentially, rather than selectively picking out faster cases, because resources are limited and justice requires the distribution of the workload and, if necessary, the curbing of delays through one-off mechanisms and disciplinary measures.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invites Mart Helme to take the floor.

Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme asks when the Riigikogu will adopt a very clear and unambiguous position that e-voting is not in compliance with the Constitution and the Election Act, and why this is not being done before the Supreme Court issues its clear ruling.
Riigikohtu esimees Villu Kõve
AI Summary
Supreme Court Chief Justice Villu Kõve stated that although the implementation of e-elections is the role of the Riigikogu (Parliament) and the court does not enact them, the situation has improved thanks to changes in legislation and procedural rules. One major complaint regarding e-elections is still pending, and should it reach the Supreme Court, the court will have to address it; however, e-voting itself does not appear to be in conflict with the constitution.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He thanks the honorable Chairman of the Supreme Court, announces that there are no further questions, opens the debate, and on behalf of the Reform Party faction, calls upon Kalle Laanet.

Kalle Laanet
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Kalle Laanet emphasized that the court system requires a thorough reform to ensure independent and effective administration of justice through digitalization and improved cooperation between the Riigikogu and the Ministry of Justice. He also addressed the need for updates to criminal procedure and the overall legal framework.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks [the body] and, on behalf of the EKRE faction, makes a request to his colleague Varro Vooglaid.

Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid called upon the coalition to immediately sit down and take the first steps toward simplifying and expediting the general procedure of criminal proceedings, while simultaneously critically assessing the judicial system and highlighting the prolonged dragging out of the proceedings concerning the legality of vaccine passports, which have failed to reach a Supreme Court decision.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The presentation just needs three more minutes.

Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid criticizes the restrictions on vaccine passports and demonstrations as unjustified, and calls upon the Supreme Court to conduct a substantive assessment of their constitutionality, including the regulations governing e-elections.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanked the audience.

Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He/She emphasized that the e-voting system must be given a thorough, substantive assessment.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart represents the Estonian Centre Party faction and submits a request.

Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He emphasizes that every law must solve a specific problem, comply with the constitution, and be inclusive. Otherwise, it will lead to over-regulation and litigation. To avoid this, lawmaking must ensure transparency and the representation of stakeholders.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He announces that three minutes will be added to the discussion.

Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He stresses that complying with European Union legislation creates complexity and administrative burdens. He argues that laws need to be drafted better to reduce overregulation and improve people's lives, taking Lennart Meri as an example.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He concluded the negotiations, thanked the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and all participants, and declared the proceedings on this agenda item closed.