Lithuania's courts and the rule of law

One of the legacies of the Soviet era is continued low levels of public trust in the Lithuanian courts. The problem is exacerbated by the need for greater competency and higher ethical standards for judges. Much has been done to redress these problems, but the most important factor in the consolidation of democracy in the judicial arena thus far has been the performance of the Constitutional Court. The Court has demonstrably strengthened the independence of the court system. At the same rime it has extended human rights and respect for the law.