Preventing Corruption in the Judicial System of the Russian Federation: Opportunities for Corruption Connected with the Discretionary Powers of the Court Chairperson

Abstract

At the present moment, corruption crimes committed by civil service employees not only interfere with the work of public officials endowed with authority, but they also undermine the credibility of state power, the trust and respect of people for state institutions and, primarily, for equitable justice. The article describes the experience of counteracting corruption in the practice of courts and judicial bodies, including the High Qualification Board of Judges, the Councils of Judges of the Russian Federation and of its regions. Adhering to the requirements of international law and taking into consideration the national law systems, the authors based their research on the inter-disciplinary systemic approach, which is necessary for the effective prevention of corruption in the court system. The theoretical results of the research were reflected in determining both the general regularities of combating corruption in the court system and the specific characteristics that take into consideration the structural and functional features of court power and the legal status of public officials. The practical results include suggestions on optimizing the organization of corruption prevention in the court system, the cooperation of courts and judicial bodies with other state bodies and public institutions on counteracting corruption while preserving the independence of the judicial power. The practical conclusions could be used for optimizing the work of courts and judicial bodies connected with the organization and implementation of anti-corruption measures.