A new law has been prepared to root out corruption and poor practices in the legal system.
Changes to be introduced include the dismissal of judges who cannot explain their earnings or are found working under the influence of alcohol, and a clause whereby anyone convicted of a willful criminal act will not be eligible to work as a judge, advocate, or commercial lawyer.
Justice Minister Daniel Lipšič said: "A judge must leave his position if he doesn't show reliable evidence for the origin of any noticeable growth in his financial assets, if he adjudicates under the influence of alcohol or repeats a serious disciplinary transgression."
All the political parties admitted the need for changes in the system before the elections in September 2002, as polls have shown Slovaks have little faith in their judicial system.
Compiled by Conrad Toft from press reports.
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.