TFL Vsebine / Pravni letopis

Sodnikova vloga v civilnih postopkih je, da odloča v spornih pravnih razmerjih, da ustvarja pravo in zagotavlja temeljna ustavna procesna jamstva, da učinkovito vodi postopek z izvajanjem materialnega procesnega vodstva, da omogoča sporazumno reševanje sporov in da opravlja nadzorno funkcijo sodišč prve in druge stopnje. Nasprotujoča pa so stališča o tem, ali naj sodniki pri opravljanju teh nalog zgolj nemo opazujejo dogajanje okoli sebe in skrbijo, da poteka po vnaprej postavljenih pravilih, ali pa morajo s svojo aktivnostjo v postopku, v sodelovanju s strankami, prispevati k bolj racionalnemu in pravičnejšemu zaključku spornega pravnega razmerja.

A judge’s role in civil proceedings is to decide on the merits of cases; to create law and to ensure the basic constitutional safeguards; to lead effectively the proceedings through the substantive conduct of proceedings; to help parties reach a peaceful settlement of their dispute; and to perform the oversight function both at the first and at the second instance. Conflicting views exist as to whether the judges, in performing these tasks, should just silently observe the parties’ activities and take care that they take place in accordance with the pre-set rules, or whether they should contribute more actively, and in cooperation with the parties, towards a more rational and equitable conclusion of the dispute at hand.

The Role of the Judge in the Procedure at the First and at the Second Instance