Eight to a fair trial and right to privacy
313. With regard to that issue, members of the Committee wished to receive
information on guarantees for the independence and impartiality of the
judiciary and measures adopted to prevent intimidation of the members of the
judiciary; legal and administrative provisions governing tenure and discipline
of members of the judiciary; and the organization and functioning of the Bar
in Peru and the availability of defence counsel in criminal cases. Members
also wished to know whether there were any special courts and, if so, what
their jurisdiction and review or appeal procedures were; who could appoint or
dismiss judges and under what conditions; how jurisdiction was divided between
military and civilian courts in cases where military personnel were allegedly
involved in disappearances and torture; how the requirement to provide legal
representation could be met in practice given the shortage of lawyers in the
country; and whether lawyers were subject to territorial restrictions.
314. In addition, members wished to know whether the principle of exclusivity
and unity of the jurisdictional function had been suspended or derogated from
during the state of emergency; whether the provision in the Constitution
whereby 2 per cent of the annual budget should be set aside for the judicial
branch had been adhered to; and whether the administration of justice had been
abrogated during states of emergency.
315. In his response, the representative of the State party said that the
independence and impartiality of judges was guaranteed under the
Constitution. A general office was established by law for the monitoring of
the judiciary and a range of sanctions and disciplinary measures was also
provided for. Judges were appointed by the President on the advice of the
National Judges' Council. Lay judges were called upon to deal with minor
cases and misdemeanours only. There was a free legal advice scheme in Peru
and any detained person had the right to be advised by and talk with a lawyer
of his choice. There were about 18,500 lawyers in Lima and lawyers were all
members of the Peruvian Federation of Bar Associations. Jurisdiction was
based on the fact that each department of Peru was a separate judicial
district. All courts in Peru formed part of the judiciary system or the
system of military justice. Civilians were subject only to civilian
jurisdiction. In cases of jurisdictional conflicts between civilian and
military tribunals, it was the function of the Supreme Court to settle the
matter. The remedies of habeas corpus and amparo could be brought before any
judge, who was obliged to consider them. Appeals against judgements by a
military court were possible, failing which the accused could make use of a
complaint procedure. As of 1991, the budget for the judicial branch had been
increased to 2 per cent of the central Government's budget as required by the
Constitution. Only the rights guaranteed under article 31 of the Constitution
had been derogated from and guarantees relating to the administration of
justice had not been affected by the states of emergency.
Freedom of movement and expulsion of aliens; right to privacy; freedom of
religion, expression, assembly and association; and right to participate in
the conduct of public affairs
316. With reference to those issues, members of the Committee wished to
receive information concerning grounds for the expulsion of aliens; procedures
for the legal recognition and authorization of various religious denominations
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