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This week, Dr. Egidija Tamošiūnienė, Justice of the Supreme Court of Lithuania, participated in a conference organised by the Central and Eastern European Law Initiative Institute (CEELI) in Prague. During the event, the Justice delivered a presentation on the importance of judges’ psychological well-being in ensuring the independent and effective administration of justice.

According to Dr. E. Tamošiūnienė, the conference addressed the most pressing challenges facing modern judicial systems. Judges, legal professionals, and experts from various countries discussed strengthening judicial independence, safeguarding the rule of law, and enhancing public confidence in the courts. Particular attention was also devoted to court administration, the use of artificial intelligence and digitalisation in judicial systems, as well as communication between courts, the public, and the media. The conference further presented practical guidelines aimed at improving the efficiency and transparency of the administration of justice and strengthening court communication practices.

In her presentation on the importance of psychological well-being, Dr. E. Tamošiūnienė emphasised that, for a long time, judges’ emotional health and professional burnout had been regarded as uncomfortable or overlooked topics. However, she noted that there is now growing international recognition that judicial well-being is not merely a matter of personal comfort but a necessary precondition for the rule of law and public trust in the judiciary.

Speaking about Lithuania’s experience, Dr. E. Tamošiūnienė discussed the first comprehensive scientific study conducted in Lithuania on the psychological well-being of judges and court staff. The study revealed that judges experience a high level of professional satisfaction, strong collegial support, and a profound sense of purpose in administering justice. At the same time, however, they face exceptionally heavy workloads, constant stress, insufficient human resources, and pressure from both the public and political actors.

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The Justice also highlighted the so-called “autonomy paradox,” whereby judges are formally granted the freedom to organise their work independently, yet, in practice, high caseloads and procedural deadlines often make it difficult to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. According to Dr. E. Tamošiūnienė, genuine judicial independence is inseparable from the ability to maintain emotional resilience, devote time to rest and family life, and work in a safe and supportive environment.

In her presentation, the Justice further stressed that promoting judicial well-being must become not an individual responsibility but a systemic priority of judicial policy. Among the most important measures, she identified balanced workloads, adequate funding for judicial assistants and court staff, access to psychological support services, and respectful public communication about courts and judges.

“Judicial well-being is not a luxury—it is one of the fundamental conditions for ensuring effective, independent justice that retains the confidence of society,” stated Dr. E. Tamošiūnienė.