What role should courts play in a democracy – and where are the limits of that role?

The event opened with welcoming remarks by Sylvia Kritzinger, Co-Director of the Research Network, and Marko Štucin, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Austria. Michael Lysander Fremuth, Co-Director of the Research Network, Professor at the University of Vienna and Scientific Director of the LBI-GMR, moderated the discussion between Ingrid Siess-Scherz, Judge at the Austrian Constitutional Court, and Vasilka Sancin, Judge at the European Court of Human Rights.

At the heart of the discussion was the tension between judicial review and democratic self-determination: How can courts protect democracy and fundamental rights without themselves becoming legislators? The panel explored the limits of judicial power, the relationship between courts and elected institutions, and the importance of judicial independence and public trust. The audience also contributed their own questions and perspectives to the discussion.

The event was dedicated to the memory of Mirjam Škrk, a renowned international lawyer and former Judge and Vice-President of the Constitutional Court of Slovenia.

For the full event report, visit the Research Network’s website.