Kohtunikest

Kohtunikest refers to judges in Estonia. The singular form is kohtunik, while kohtunikest is used when speaking about the group of judges or “the judges” in the partitive/genitive sense. In legal and academic texts, the term appears when discussing the judiciary, trials, and court decisions.

Role and functions of kohtunikud include presiding over court proceedings, interpreting and applying laws, assessing evidence, and issuing judgments. They may sit alone in straightforward civil or criminal cases or as part of a panel in higher courts. Judges are charged with ensuring due process, protecting the rights of participants, and basing decisions on statutes, case law, and facts established in the proceedings.

Institutions and scope of work: In Estonia, judges operate in different levels of courts, including district courts (maakohus) for trial matters, appellate courts (ringkonnakohus), and the Supreme Court (Riigikohus). The distribution of judges across these courts depends on case type and complexity. The judiciary is intended to function independently from the legislative and executive branches, upholding the rule of law and public confidence in judicial decisions.

Appointment and training: Becoming a kohtunik typically requires a university degree in law, several years of legal experience, and completion of judicial training. Appointments are made by state authorities based on established procedures, with emphasis on independence and impartiality. Judges adhere to professional standards and ongoing education throughout their careers.