Конституционный суд РоссииConstitutional Court Of Russia

ByCedrick, Klaus, Carolina

Cases heard in this court are…

Constitutionality of laws Disputes concerning competence of

governmental agenciesImpeachment of the president of Russia Constitutional Court's proposals of

legislations must be dealt with on plenary session. Besides, Constitutional Court may by its discretion submit to plenary sessions any other issue.

Example of Case

• The last execution in Russia took place on September 2, 1996. On May 26, 2006 Chechen carpenter Nur-Pashi Kulayev, the sole surviving suspect from the Beslan school siege was sentenced to life by a court in southern Russia. "Kulayev deserves the death penalty, but is sentenced to life in prison because a moratorium is in place," the judge said.

Judge Information

Consists of 19 judges (one being the Chairman and another one being Deputy Chairman).

Judges are appointed by the Federation Council of Russia.

In order to become a judge of the Constitutional Court a person must be a citizen of Russia, at least 40 years of age, have legal education, have served as a lawyer for at least 15 years and have "recognized high qualification" (quotation from Constitutional Court Act) in law

Judge Info Continued…

• The Constitutional Court consists of two chambers with 10 and 9 judges respectively.

• The Chairman presides over one of the chambers, the Deputy Chairman presides over the other chamber.

Jury Information

It first appeared as part of the great legal reforms of 1864, shortly after Czar Alexander 2d abolished serfdom. The jury system gradually flourished over the next 50 years, producing lawyers like the legendary Fyodor Plevako, who became famous for brilliant courtroom speeches that acquitted hundreds of peasants and workers.

It has Trial by Jury Jury determines guilt or innocence and the judge

decides the sentence according to Criminal Procedure Code of Russia.

Current Judges

Currently the Chairman is Valery Zorkin.

Sentencing

• Russia is obliged to abolish the death penalty as a member of the Council of Europe.

• Death penalty is a legal punishment for crimes committed in peacetime and in wartime.

• Death penalty is considered an exceptional punishment for especially grave crimes threatening life.

• Capital offences: premeditated murder with aggravating circumstances; assassination attempt against a state or public figure; assassination attempt against a person administering justice or conducting a preliminary investigation; assassination attempt against a law enforcement officer and genocide.

Appeals Court

• The Constitutional Court is the Final Court of Appeals.