Presidential Promulgation
The President of the Republic has promulgated the decree from the Assembly of the Republic that introduces the fifth amendment to Law No. 2/2008, dated January 14, which governs the entry into the judiciary, the training of magistrates, and the nature, structure, and operation of the Judicial Studies Center. This information was shared in a brief note published on the Presidency’s website.
Recent Parliamentary Approval
On January 24, just under a week ago, the parliament approved the legislation that alters the rules for admission to the Judicial Studies Center (CEJ). The final text of the government’s proposal received abstentions from Chega, independent deputy Miguel Arruda, Livre, and the PCP, while the remaining parties voted in favor. The document was initially approved in general terms by a majority in December of the previous year and was later sent to the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms, and Guarantees, which drafted the final text approved on January 24.
Need for Increased Attractiveness
During the general debate held on January 20, parliamentary groups unanimously acknowledged the need to enhance the attractiveness of the CEJ without compromising the rigorous standards for entering the judiciary. Justice Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice assured that the simplification of the admission process does not equate to a reduction in requirements, emphasizing that the entry process remains highly demanding.
Key Changes in Admission Requirements
One of the main changes outlined in the legislation allows graduates in Law, post-Bologna process, to gain entry to the CEJ by passing the curricular portion of a master’s or doctoral program in the legal field. Previously, candidates were required to complete one of the advanced study cycles—either a doctoral or master’s program—in its entirety.
Additional Provisions in the Proposal
The approved government proposal also includes the establishment of recruitment reserves for initial training of magistrates, the allocation of social security benefits under the Research Grant Holder Statute to justice auditors (trainees) not covered by any protection regime, and adjustments to the CEJ’s management structure.
Related News
In a related development, a man who threatened President Marcelo has been identified as responsible for data breaches involving the PJ (Judiciary Police) and SIS (Intelligence Service).
