European Day of Justice

European Day of Justice History

European Day of Justice is dedicated to promoting the accessibility and understanding of the European judicial system to its citizens. This commemoration aims to emphasize the importance of judicial cooperation among EU member states to protect democracy, social harmony, and safeguard the rights and freedoms of individuals. Central to the event is raising awareness about the available legal remedies and judicial support at the national and European levels, ensuring trust in the legal frameworks unifying Europe.

The initiative to establish a European Day of Justice began in 2003 through a partnership between the European Commission and the Council of Europe in an effort to enhance the connection between justice and European citizens. This collaboration seeks to support and develop citizens' understanding of their rights, entitlements, and overall confidence in the European judiciary. The observance plays a vital role in assisting individuals to successfully navigate the legal landscape, empowering them to obtain timely and just resolution of their disputes.

European Day of Justice is observed in various ways such as organizing open-door events at courts and providing information sessions to the public. By offering workshops and hosting panel discussions, these events encourage dialogue between judges, lawyers, and citizens, demystifying legal processes and fostering greater comprehension of the judicial system in Europe. European Day of Justice is celebrated annually on October 25th.

Top facts and quotes about European Day of Justice

• In 2023, the median prison populate rate in European countries was 104 inmates per 100,000 inhabitants. In comparison to the U.S., in 2021, there were 680 inmates per 100,000.
• According to the Council of Europe, in 2023, Turkey had the largest prison population with over 300,000 inmates.
  According to the Council of Europe, in 2021, the countries with the highest prisoner rates per 100,000 people in the EU were Hungary and Poland, followed by Slovakia. The lowest rates were in Finland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands.
• Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are. ― Benjamin Franklin
• For there is but one essential justice which cements society, and one law which establishes this justice. This law is right reason, which is the true rule of all commandments and prohibitions. Whoever neglects this law, whether written or unwritten, is necessarily unjust and wicked. ― Marcus Tullius Cicero, On the laws

In the News and Trending for European Day of Justice

European Day of Justice Top Events and Things to Do

• Visit a courthouse near you. On European Day of Justice courts hold open sessions where anybody can learn more about the legal system.
• Write a letter to someone in prison. How we treat those who break the law will determine how they are as people when they’re released from prison. There are numerous organisations that can help you do this try Prison Fellowship, Black and Pink or Write A Prisoner.
• Listen to a podcast. There are numerous riveting podcasts that examine criminal cases. Our favourites include:
  1) Serial
  2) Sword and Scale
  3) Criminal
• Watch a TV show that examines the different sides of criminality and the law. Shows such as The Wire, Breaking Bad and Fargo approach the subject from many different perspectives.
• Read a book about crime and justice. Many great books have been on the topic.
  Our favourites are:
  1) To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  2) Lord of the Flies by William Golding
  3) In Cold Blood by Truman Capote