How to improve the technique of conducting hearings by applying new methodologies was the topic of the third training within the strengthening mentorship skills programme. The methods are already a well-established practice in the improving judges’ performance programmes in Norway and they focus on using a video as one of the tools in the process of improving judges’ skills.

During the training, the Norwegian judges talked about their experience in applying the method that involved creating a video during the hearings, which is subsequently analysed so that the judge would gain insight into their own actions to find room for further improvement. The technique is carried out with full respect for the autonomy, independence and integrity of the judge’s personality.

Judges from the Municipal Court in Zenica and Basic Court in Banja Luka participated in the training organized by the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina in collaboration with the Norwegian Courts Administration.

Development and improvement of judicial qualities and skills, especially the hearing management skill, play a key role in the process of improving the work of courts, which is why the HJPC BiH is working intensely to establish mechanisms that will help the judges master their skills and improve their performance quality.

Given the current situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and according to the decisions of relevant executive bodies and the decision of the HJPC BiH the training was held via video conference.

The training was organized within the Improving Judicial Quality Project that is implemented with the support of the Government of Norway and in collaboration with the Norwegian Courts Administration and Council for the Judiciary of the Netherlands.