On 16th September 2024, a lecture by Judge Mykola Ivanovych Shershak of the Zarichnyi District Court took place in the city of Sumy. The event, titled “Fundamental Principles of Criminal Proceedings,” attracted law students, practising lawyers, and civic activists interested in enhancing the legal culture of society.
Judge Shershak shared his extensive experience within the judicial system and discussed the foundational principles of criminal process, such as the presumption of innocence, the right to defence, adversarial nature of parties, and the public nature of court proceedings. Special attention was given to contemporary challenges in the field of justice and ways to overcome them.
“Understanding the fundamental principles of criminal proceedings is key to forming fair and effective justice in Ukraine,” emphasised Mykola Ivanovych. He also highlighted the importance of adhering to ethical norms and professional standards in the activities of legal professionals.
Following the lecture, a lively discussion ensued, during which participants posed questions about the practical aspects of applying criminal law and procedure. Olha Melnyk, a student from Sumy State University, remarked, “It was a unique opportunity to gain knowledge from an experienced specialist and to comprehend the realities of judicial practice.”
The event was organised with the support of local legal organisations aiming to elevate the level of legal education and public awareness. Such initiatives contribute to strengthening trust in the judicial system and promoting legal knowledge among the youth.
The organisers plan to continue the series of lectures and seminars featuring leading experts in the field of law, with the goal of fostering the development of the professional community and the formation of a lawful state.
