President Pavel vetoes bill limiting lay judges in court decisions

President Petr Pavel vetoed a bill that would have reduced the role of lay judges in court decisions, including criminal cases in district courts. He argued that such a significant change should have been preceded by a more thorough analysis and broader political debate. This is the first time the Czech President has used his veto since coming to office in 2023. The Ministry of Justice acknowledged the president's decision, stating it is his constitutional right. The government had proposed the change as a cost-saving measure, but Pavel emphasized the importance of lay judges in maintaining public trust and the democratic legitimacy of the judiciary.