Justice and Freedom of expression

ended

Justice and freedom of expression have developed an intertwined and complex relation. The successful promotion of democracy is inseparable from the principle of freedom of expression. It needs a strong and constant protection within the EU and beyond. As professionals, judges, prosecutors and lawyers have to apply and protect freedom of speech, which requires an accurate and extended knowledge of the relevant case law and the specific way to apply it. They also benefit of their own freedom of expression, both in their professional and private life. However, given their duty of discretion and obligation to be neutral in all circumstances, their freedom has specific limits, which has been challenged by the recent development of social networks and the internet. They are actors of the right of the public to be informed when communicating in high profile or sensitive cases, but talking to the public requires specific techniques that need to be improved. Therefore, the overall objective of this project is to raise awareness of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and specifically on Freedom of Expression of practitioners and citizens. This project proposes 3 practical seminars for 165 EU judges and prosecutors, 25 EU lawyers dedicated to: - The protection of freedom of expression - The right of the public to be informed on cases - The freedom of expression of legal practitioners An innovative app will foster the project management and the dissemination of all the outputs of the seminars, which will ensure the sustainability of the results. The outcome of this project is a better understanding of their role by stakeholders and a smoother communication in public according to the circumstances. It will also raise awareness on the specificities of freedom of expression, currently challenged by the evolution of social networks. It should ultimately lead to a better application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.