Georgian Democracy Initiative (GDI) - Protection of Freedom of Expression in Justice System
Period/Duration: 05.01.2019 – 06.15.2020
Amount: $37,093.80
Project description: The project aimed to develop legislation and practice in the area of freedom of expression. The project looked into legislative norms and judicial decisions restricting freedom of expression in cases of disrespectful behavior in relation to courts. GDI also studied international standards governing limitations of freedom of expression in the context of contempt of court. In addition, focus groups were conducted to assess attitudes and relevant experiences of legal practitioners and representatives of academia. The report developed with the involvement of international experts includes recommendations for addressing the problems of legal framework and practice. The project team also developed guidelines for judges and other legal professionals on how to interpret the constitutional standard of freedom of expression and margins of this freedom. The report and guidelines were printed and individually mailed to judges. An online presentation was held to discuss the issues identified through the research with the involvement of current and former judges and international experts.