Over 100 students and academic staff members from Batumi Shota Rustaveli University and the Batumi branch of Grigol Robakidze University listened to Constitutional Court members Giorgi Kverenchkhiladze, Irene Imerlisvil, and Giorgi Tevdorashvili speak on the role of the Constitutional Court (CC) in safeguarding democratic principles and fundamental rights. The speakers made their presentations at the commencement of the Annual University Human Rights Week, hosted by Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University.

Nikoloz Megrelishvili, BSU’s University Human Rights Week coordinator, along with Levan Jakeli, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences, and Irina Khakhutaishvili, USAID Rule of Law Program’s Batumi Rule of Law Hub Lawyer, welcomed the audience and introduced the CC members.   

In his presentation, Judge Kverenchkhiladze affirmed that, “It is widely recognized that human rights and fundamental freedoms are the birthrights of all human beings and each democratic state's prime responsibility is to protect and advance them.” He went on explain the crucial role Georgia's Constitutional Court plays in protecting constitutional rights. He also made the point that despite the Court’s consistent development over the last 27 years more time and efforts are needed to improve Court efficiency, and emphasized the importance of nurturing the country's legal culture and traditions.

Judge Imerlishvili outlined the structure and jurisdiction of the Constitutional Court. Judge Tevdorashvili delved into the significant legal precedents set by the CCG, emphasizing the Court’s practice shift toward assessing the constitutionality of normative content of norm. This way the court separated from each other the disputed norm and its normative content, a step forward in safeguarding individuals’ fundamental rights.

Students were encouraged to ask questions of judges which prompted a number of substantive discussions.

The USAID Rule of Law Program has fostered a partnership between Batumi Shota Rustaveli University and the Constitutional Court of Georgia. This was the fourth public lecture given by Constitutional Court judges this year.