Some Aspects of Legal Training in Hungary

HE role and structure of the Hungarian legal profession both changed quite markedly after the changeover from the communist regime (1989), particularly because of the opportunities provided by the new market economy. The legal profession in Hungary is generally of a high standard because of the elitist approach which once prevailed in the university education system, reinforced by a technocratic attitude characterising the Bench from the final period of the one-party system. However, the recruitment process in the legal profession is somewhat problematic, and it is our firm belief that the quality of the administration of justice can be improved only if the recruitment process is thoroughly examined and revised. In today’s Hungary, there has been little public discussion of problems of legal training and entry into the legal profession, the judiciary, and prosecutors’ offices. The lack of public attention may be explained by several factors: our legal system is already considered to be broadly democratic, the judicial system substantially conforms to European legal standards, and the ongoing legal harmonization process is on track with the Brussels framework. In addition, Hungary has adopted extensive reformist legislation. However, modern institutional structures and extensive modern legislation are not enough to ensure a well-functioning legal system. Legislation and other law must be carefully interpreted and faithfully applied by capable legal professionals to ensure a successfully legal system. The Hungarian legal profession went through a unique, complicated and painful transitional period following the fall of the communist regime. New challenges had to be met, new attitudes and techniques developed. As a result, the community of lawyers has been fundamentally restructured and substantially enlarged.