Draft law amending the Courts Act and, in consequence thereof, amending other laws (to improve the administration of courts) – first reading
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Date: 2025-05-13 13:10
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 68
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 23m
AI Summaries: 68/68 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu initiated the first reading of bill number 632, which is the Act amending the Courts Act and other related acts (enhancing the administration of courts), initiated by the Government of the Republic. The bill is an important part of a broader judicial reform, and its main objective is to ensure the independence, efficiency, and transparency of the court system: court administration will be transferred to the court’s own administration, not to an executive branch body. An interesting aspect is also the strengthening of the Riigikogu's role within the reform and the consolidation of strategic decisions within those bodies dealing with court administration and development. In addition, four pillars are described through which the judicial reform will be implemented: (1) transferring court administration from the ministry to the courts themselves, (2) improving court proceedings and laying the groundwork for digitization and the use of artificial intelligence, (3) equalizing workloads and structural changes, (4) discussion topics that should not fall within the jurisdiction of the court.
The court reform also creates greater frameworks for digital development and emphasizes that technological solutions should be usable in application courts where they are actually used, and judicial decisions remain the basis of human protection. The bill aims to simultaneously ensure the transparency of court funding and budgets, increasing the Riigikogu's role in funding and ensuring that expenses and resources move purposefully under the court's responsibility. It is also emphasized that although digital solutions and artificial intelligence may help accelerate and improve proceedings, the ultimate decision-making authority remains with the courthouse and judges. Finally, attention is drawn to cost balance: the changes are designed to be cost-neutral, and €350,000 will be allocated to cover job and economic costs through the transfer from the Ministry of Justice and Digital Transformation, which should increase transparency and clarity in court funding.
Decisions Made 1
First reading concluded: Bill 632 first reading completed; the deadline for submitting amendments is May 27th at 5:15 PM.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was the presented minister, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, who has a role in introducing and explaining the draft. Her position is “other” (a cross-party letter that is neither left-wing nor right-wing), as she represents the government and the minister’s role is therefore representation of the government line, not of a specific party's faction as an individual.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Let us now proceed to the agenda, because the first reading of Bill 632, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning the amendment of the Courts Act and related amendments to other Acts (streamlining court administration), is scheduled, and the honorable Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, is already making her way to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
The presentation explains that the draft bill transfers the executive power over court administration directly to the courts, establishes the courts as a constitutional institution, and increases the Riigikogu's role and budgetary oversight, all as part of a wider judicial reform.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi expresses his thanks and announces that there is a whole series of questions, which Andre Hanimägi will begin.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi expressed concern that, under tight budgetary constraints, courthouses in the counties might close and the responsibility would fall on the shoulders of politicians. He then asked what political levers are available to ensure that regional policy and law and justice are maintained in the counties.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta stated that the closure of courts is not decided by politicians. Instead, this decision rests with the Council for the Administration of Courts and is governed by a development plan valid until 2030. Furthermore, a court communication point will remain in every county, ensuring physical access to the courts for the public.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Urve Tiidus is invited to speak.
Urve Tiidus
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urve Tiidus addressed the director and the minister, asking about the broader application of artificial intelligence in the court system. She cited court decisions based on traffic monitoring data as an example, and asked which decisions could potentially be made by AI in the near future.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
While artificial intelligence can expedite the preparation of legal proceedings and assist in proving crimes, the final decisions of the courts will always rest with a human. To enable this, Estonia needs legislative changes and better opportunities for using AI in court trials.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Margit Sutrop to speak.
Margit Sutrop
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Margit Sutrop, discussing the context of judicial reform, considers whether using artificial intelligence to generate transcripts might reduce the burden and cost. She points out that this method is not considered accurate or reliable, and questions how prepared court staff are for the implementation of this AI and whether it might replace human labor.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Justice and Digital Minister Liisa-Ly Pakosta said that Estonia has about 250 judges appointed for life who are very smart and educated, and who possess diverse experiences and personalities. Although opinions are divided regarding technological changes in judicial reform, discussions are necessary. She added that the use of artificial intelligence has already shown quality, and the experiences of other countries confirm its future efficiency, but shortcomings must be addressed, as perfection does not exist.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi called upon Tanel Kiik to speak.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik inquired how the conclusion was reached that the first and second judicial instances should be regarded as constitutional institutions 33 years after the Constitution was adopted, and whether the proposed amendments would help expedite the court proceedings.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
He stressed that the non-constitutional status of the courts of first and second instance has been debated ever since the Constitution was adopted. The new draft bill improves upon earlier solutions and aims to expedite judicial proceedings, but the most significant impact will stem from the pillar of judicial administration, which, incidentally, affects the fewest people.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks Rene Kokk to come forward.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk pointed out that he cannot convince people of the draft bill’s merits using mere promotional language, and he fears that the consolidation process will lead to the court’s role becoming one-sided and the perspectives of various parties being diminished. He then asked how the provision encouraging the quick release of prisoners—where the court’s role is reduced—could possibly enhance society’s sense of justice and cohesion.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Through phased release from prison, crime is reduced and security is increased, because the court ruling remains the sole deciding factor, and the individual moves step-by-step back into society under the supervision of probation services, where 16% of those gradually released commit a new crime within two years.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech was merely a request to invite Varro Vooglaid.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid raises concerns regarding the draft bill under which members of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) could be included in the Council for the Administration and Development of Courts, noting that the explanatory memorandum lacks clear justification and that the bill violates the principle of the separation of powers. He further asks how these members will be selected, what the criteria for their appointment are, and whether representation will be split between the opposition and the coalition, or if it will be solely determined by the coalition.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
The report indicates that European development is characterized by increasing judicial independence and diminishing influence of the executive branch. Furthermore, the central question in the ongoing discussions concerns the Riigikogu’s role in the administration of the courts, where the current proposed solution includes two Riigikogu members, and the final decision hinges on the Riigikogu’s internal regulation.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called upon Peeter Ernits to speak.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Although the legislation was drafted by three respectable women, the weight given to the opinions of the institutions is highly disproportionate—the opinions of the Pärnu County Court are given very little consideration, the Supreme Court's opinion accounts for about 20%, while the Tallinn Administrative Court and the Tallinn Circuit Court predominate.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta acknowledged the Supreme Court’s observations regarding the insufficient court budget and the lack of IT developments, as well as the limitations on their funding. She further noted that digitization is being handled in a separate work stream, and that it would have been sensible to present the court reform in its entirety, alongside the draft legislation related to accelerating proceedings.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Madis Timpson.
Madis Timpson
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Timpson emphasizes that this is a bill of historical significance, recalls its background dating back to 1994–2011, and finally poses a technical question regarding how the budget will be defended in the Riigikogu—specifically, whether all court chairmen will attend, or only the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
The Supreme Court will remain a separate constitutional institution, and the first and second instance courts are separate, with their budget and oversight negotiations taking place separately with the Riigikogu Finance Committee.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called Andre Hanimägi forward.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi stated that the political role and responsibility should remain in governance, and asked whether removing the Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs' role as a political intermediary would make securing the budget harder or, quite the opposite, easier.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
He/She emphasizes that the funding of the courts is a matter concerning the separation and independence of the branches of government, and the budget discussion held in the Riigikogu Finance Committee makes the court budgets more transparent and better reflects the will of the people.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Evelin Poolamets is invited to perform.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets is asking where the input for the reform originated, and whether the current Council for the Administration of Courts will be replaced by a Courts Administration and Development Council and a Court Administration Service. She also asks whether these reforms will lead to a reduction in bureaucracy, and specifically whether the input was sourced from neighboring countries, the Nordic countries, the courts themselves, or artificial intelligence.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta stated that the Estonian draft laws are the result of the work carried out by the courts' working group, which was established by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. She added that the drafts are focused on increasing the independence and efficiency of the courts, drawing on the example of European and Nordic reforms (including Finland). Furthermore, she stressed that artificial intelligence is not being addressed in connection with this bill, and that Estonian judges are highly educated and will not be replaced by AI in the near future.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is a brief request to invite Varro Vooglaid to speak.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid argues that the inclusion of Riigikogu members on the Council for the Administration and Development of Courts is not a substantive reason, and that cooperation should instead take place through committees, rather than through two representatives of the coalition (for example, Timpson and Kiviberg), which creates the impression of government control.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
He confirmed that the issue has many valid answers, and the Riigikogu must make the final decision on the draft bill itself, as it is primarily a matter concerning the Riigikogu's internal organization. Nevertheless, two members of the Riigikogu were appointed to the development council of the judicial system—when presenting on behalf of the government—in order to maintain a connection.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi invited Arvo Aller to appear.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller criticizes the expansion of the administrative and development council of the courts, suggesting that the inclusion of the minister’s representation might be a tactic designed to make it easier to close regional courthouses due to budget and personnel shortages. He also asks why administration must be removed from the minister's duties and a completely separate structural unit created.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
The reduction in the size of the Council for the Administration of Courts and the simplification of the management system ensures parity representation through the involvement of the Riigikogu, and preserves the accessibility of justice and a physical court presence in every county.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi called Peeter Ernits to the stage.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits asks whether artificial intelligence was used regarding the amendment proposals for the Supreme Court’s opinions, and whether all changes have been accounted for systematically, considering the 240 judges, 1000 officials, and the regional aspect, so that officials wouldn't have to handle everything by themselves.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
He stated that artificial intelligence is not currently being utilized, and if it is employed in governmental documents, it must be properly referenced. However, when it comes to major fundamental decisions, a human is superior to AI, although AI could be helpful in the legal system, and data-driven decisions can be facilitated in courts using AI.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Rene Kokk to take the floor.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk emphasizes that the current consolidation of the administrative organization of the courts reduces the ministry's role, and asks whether the ministry discussed the representation of Riigikogu members—for both the opposition and the coalition—on the administrative and development council, and recommends drafting a bill that would clearly secure this representation.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
According to Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta, the Judicial Administration Council should include two Riigikogu members to ensure representation from both the coalition and the opposition. She added that this is not consolidation, but rather that the management will remain in the hands of the judicial system.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi asks Arvo Aller to come and speak.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller asserts that the new law provides the means to shut down county courts, accuses the minister of shifting responsibility, and suggests that, much like the closure of rural schools, the level of decision-making is being moved elsewhere. He stresses that certain provisions will take effect on June 1, 2025, when the Council for the Administration of Courts begins its work. Moreover, by October 1st, a proposal will be drafted for budget cuts and the closure of court buildings. He questions why this needs to be accelerated within three weeks, given that next week is a sitting week and the week following is a non-sitting week.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta said that the draft bill includes the option for a graceful withdrawal, emphasized the independence of the constitutional institution, and confirmed that the Riigikogu will decide the dates, adding that she hopes the courts will quickly provide clarity regarding the preparation of next year's budget.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
This bill significantly alters the administration and development of the judicial system, reduces its political dimension, and consequently impacts regional policy (for example, through the closure of the Jõhvi courthouse). Furthermore, once the political element is removed, the court will remain an independent institution.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Lauri Laats to the stage.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech was short and expressed thanks.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He decides independently how to manage his budget.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta stated that the Jõhvi courthouse is considering reducing its current floor space and optimizing the use of funds. This would be done while retaining the personnel involved in administering justice and using courtrooms only to the extent necessary for judicial proceedings. The Riigikogu Finance Committee is monitoring this development, keeping the regional dimension in mind, and the Courts Development Plan 2030 outlines the necessary changes, ensuring that there remains a physical possibility to interact with the court in every county center.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanked the representative of the Ministry of Justice and asked Lauri Laats to present his delayed second question.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats asked the presiding officer how long the negotiations had lasted, and requested that he specify the concessions and compromises made regarding the judicial system, as well as the fundamental issues that had been on the table and were the subject of the discussions.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
The discussions have been genuinely lengthy, and the courts' development plan, as an overarching document, comprises various sections. Key topics of discussion have centered on the composition of the Courts' Administration and Development Council (including the involvement of Riigikogu members), the budget, the redistribution of posts, and the allocation of an additional 350,000 euros to the courts. The most significant debate, however, has been whether the draft bill concerning court administration should be processed separately or alongside the draft bills aimed at accelerating court proceedings and enhancing judicial efficiency, which many stakeholders prefer to treat as a single package.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
At the conclusion of the speech, thanks are given and it is announced that there are no questions, following which Pipi-Liis Siemann, a member of the Constitutional Committee, will present the main points of the discussion and the decisions that were made.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Pipi-Liis Siemann provided an overview of the discussion held on May 6 regarding the draft legislation of the Riigikogu Constitutional Committee session. The Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs participated as a guest, accompanied by Deputy Secretary General Mari-Liis Mikli. The discussion centered on constitutionality, fragmentation, and the separation of powers. Questions were also raised concerning the process of appealing court decisions in cases of dissatisfaction, to which the Minister responded that there would be no changes.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He/She apologizes and asks for the talk to be a little louder, as the audience is signaling that they can't hear.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The report discussed the structure for the appointment and oversight of judges. Emphasis was placed on reducing political ties and the importance of supervision. The need to modernize court management through a three-pillar system was acknowledged, along with the recognition that while the draft bill solves several problems, it does not address every concern.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He thanks the audience and opens the floor for questions, asking Evelin Poolamets to present her question.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets stressed that the minister failed to answer whether the draft bill would reduce bureaucracy. She then recalled the coalition's goal of cutting red tape and asked how extensively this matter had been discussed within the committee.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He pointed out that the current fragmentation between institutions increases bureaucracy and that clear responsibility should shift to the courts themselves.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi expresses his thanks, announces the conclusion of the question period, opens the debate, and calls upon Varro Vooglaid on behalf of the EKRE faction.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid emphasized that parliamentary representatives should not be members of the Council for the Administration and Development of Courts. He also called for the inclusion of the opinions of judicial body representatives during the processing of the draft bill and urged the preparation of a comprehensive judicial reform that would respect the principle of the separation of powers and address the roles of the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court, as well as the democratic election of judges.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi offered his thanks and noted that the representatives of the Riigikogu factions had spoken, adding that Minister Liisa-Ly Pakosta had also requested the floor during the discussions.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
The Courts' Development Plan 2024–2030, which was drafted by the courts themselves and guarantees accountability in the management of the judiciary as well as a uniform quality of court administration services across all courts, serves as the foundation for the legislative drafting process. While a single, comprehensive proposal would be ideal, the Ministry is proceeding incrementally due to limited staffing and highly values the legal debate that occurs during the consideration of each draft bill.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi declared the first reading of Draft Act 632 concluded and the debates closed, set the deadline for the submission of amendments for May 27th at 5:15 p.m., and terminated the proceedings on the first item on the agenda.