The Plenary Session is the assembly of all judges of the Supreme Court, convened by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The agenda of the Plenary Session is defined by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Judges Emeriti of the Supreme Court and the regional court judges, replacing the judges of the Supreme Court, may participate in the Plenary Session, without the right to vote. The Prosecutor General of the Republic of Latvia is also entitled to participate in the work of the Plenary Session and to express his opinion on issues on the agenda.
Judges wear their robes and judicial insignia when participating in the Plenary Session.
Authority of the Plenary Session is regulated by Section 49 of the law "On Judicial Power" and the Plenary Session Manual.
Authority of the Plenary Session
The Plenary Session of the Supreme Court:
1. Nominates the candidature of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
- On 20 April 2020, candidature of Aigars Strupiss was nominated for the office of the Chief Justice
2. Provides opinion, whether grounds exist for the removal from office of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or the Prosecutor General
3. Elects the Chairs of the Supreme Court Departments
- Veronika Krumina, the Chair of the Department of Administrative Cases – on 14 December 2017; Anita Polakova, the Chair of the Department of Criminal Cases – on 20 April 2020, Normunds Salenieks, the Chair of the Department of Civil Cases – on 11 September 2020
4. Elects one member of the Central Elections Commission from among judges
- On 8 April 2019, Marika Senkane was elected in the office of the member of the Central Elections Commission
5. Nominates two candidates for the position of the Constitutional Court Judges from among the judges of the Republic of Latvia
- Since 2014, Aldis Lavins, nominated by the Plenary Session of the Supreme Court, has held the office of a judge of the Constitutional Court, since 2017 – Janis Neimanis
6. Elects one member of the Judicial Council from among the judges of the Supreme Court
- On 11 September 2020, Dzintra Balta was elected as a member of the Judicial Council
7. Elects six members of the Disciplinary Court and appoints the Chair of the Disciplinary Court from among them
- On 10 September 2018, Inara Garda was elected in the office of the Chair of the Disciplinary Court
8. Analyses and provides an assessment of the results from the previous year’s work of the Supreme Court, report on financial and administrative activities
9. Discusses topical issues on interpretations of legal provisions
10. The Plenary Session, as an institution of judicial self–government, may discuss any topical issue of the Supreme Court or the judicial system
Decisions of the Plenary Session
The Plenary Session is entitled to decide the issues to be considered if more than 2/3 of the total number of judges of the Supreme Court approved and sworn in in accordance with the procedures prescribed by law participate in it.
It is possible to vote “for”, “against” or “to abstain from voting”.
The vote is open, unless the Plenary Session decides otherwise. When electing officials or giving statement upon dismissal of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or removal of the Prosecutor General from the office, the vote shall take place in closed regime.
Decision of the Plenary Session is adopted by majority of votes present. Decision upon dismissal of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or removal of the Prosecutor General from the Office is adopted, if not less than two-thirds of total number of judges of the Supreme Court have voted for it.
Availability of information
The Plenary Sessions are open. If the Plenary deems it necessary, particular issues may be reviewed in a closed sitting. The sittings, during which the issue of revoking the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or the Prosecutor General is discussed, are closed.
Decisions adopted in open meeting and operative part of the decision adopted in closed meetings of the Plenary Session is information of general accessibility and it is published on the web site of the Supreme Court.
Secretary of the Plenary Session
The Plenary Session elects from among the judges the Secretary of the Plenary Session for the term of three years. The secretary of the Plenary Session develops drafts of agendas and decisions of the Plenary Session, compiles proposals suggested, counts votes in open vote and processes minute of the Plenary Session.
- On 21 July 2018, Marika Senkane was elected as the secretary of the Plenary Session
Marika Senkane, Secretary of the Plenary Session