Modernisation of master programmes for future judges, prosecutors, investigators with respect to European standard on human rights

After restoration of independence legislators of both countries amended criminal and criminal procedural legislation in the direction of its humanisation. But teaching of disciplines of “criminal law cycle” still tends to old traditions. At the same time training of students-to-be-judges/prosecutors/investigators is an essential element of an efficient system of justice, as it helps to ensure the competency of the judiciary. CRIMHUM, taking into account the synergy with the TRADIR project, will aim to modernise the training in the most conservative legal environment to meet the needs of employers and society, addressing the regional priority–Law, by developing and establishing specialised master programmes in criminal justice based on a Guiding Concept. The project is totally in line with the Concept of the development of legal education in the Republic of Belarus for 2018-2025 as well as labour market demands and last developments in the modernisation of higher legal education in Ukraine. The emphasis is on teaching how to conduct investigations, public prosecution and judging (including understanding of a rights-based approach), respecting fundamental principles in particular. Furthermore, to educate students about modern trends in criminal law and procedure in EU countries and how national law and procedure are affected by foreign, supranational and international law. The project will also lay the foundation for interdisciplinary teaching. Totally new for these countries courses reflecting contemporary criminal threats (e.g., crimes in IT, cross-border crime) will be introduced and course books in national languages will be developed. The traditional law school education will be connected with a practical learning approach (also through installing at the law faculties “work places” with special software to help students to draw up procedural documents). Belarusian and Ukrainian teachers will obtain an advanced training to teach criminal justice courses in English