The Legal System

The opening ceremony for a new citizen's rights center by the Bar Association in Samaria-Judea took place on Monday November 24. The new center is opened in conjunction with the Department of Social Services, and will serve residents of the greater Gush Etzion region, including Efrat and Beitar Illit.

The "Schar Mitzva" program was established in 2002 by the Israel Bar Association. The Program's mission is to substantially expand accessibility to the justice system and provide legal aid to those who cannot afford to pay for legal services.

Selecting candidates for senior positions is a complex task, and even more so with regard to positions in the public sector which influence the lives of countless citizens.

The Judicial Appointment Committee is comprised of 3 representatives from the Judiciary, two representatives from the legislative, two representatives from the executive, and two professional representatives from the Israeli Bar Association. These representatives select the individuals who will serve as judges in the Israeli courts, a position that they usually hold until retirement.

In the next few weeks the Judicial Appointment Committee will convene to debate the appointment of several candidates for the Supreme Court.
Among the candidates is Judge Ruth Ronen, a Judge in the Tel Aviv District Court. The Legal Forum has submitted an objection to Ronen's nomination due to the fact that in the past her professional conduct has been questioned. In 2011, the Legal Forum contacted the Supervisory body for Judges to request an investigation into a case involving a conflict of interest which Judge Ronen presided over.

This week’s update contains information that has not yet been published in the media and our readers and supporters have the privilege of being the first to hear of this great achievement.

Following a twelve year battle, a tedious fight including a Supreme Court petition, the Legal Forum has achieved an unprecedented success. Following the Legal Forum’s requests and appeals, the Judicial Appointment Committee will publish its protocols.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning Israel completed the release of 26 long-serving Palestinian prisoners in the second part of a four stage deal with the Palestinian Authority agreed at the start of the current round of peace talks.

The release took place amidst strong criticism from the bereaved families and in light of the escalating security situation in Israel today.