Supreme anti-corruption court in the system of anti-corruption bodies of Ukraine

Corruption is a socio-political phenomenon caused by the imperfection of the functioning of state and public institutions.This negative phenomenon permeates all spheres of society and has a negative impact on the development of economic, social and political life in the country, is a threat to national security and statehood, incompatible with the principles of democratic, legal and social order. The need for an uncompromising fight against corruption in a democratic state governed by the rule of law does not need to be proven.

Due to the low level of public confidence in the courts of general jurisdiction and the implementation of judicial reform, the High Anti-Corruption Court was established, which became the final link in the system of anti-corruption bodies such as the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. 

The Law of Ukraine "On the Supreme Anti-Corruption Court" in 2018 for the first time in Ukraine defines the principles of organization and activity of the Supreme Anti-Corruption Court, special requirements for judges of this court and guarantees of their activities.

The Supreme Anti-Corruption Court is a permanent higher specialized court in the judicial system of Ukraine. Its task is to administer justice in accordance with the statutory principles and procedures of justice in order to protect individuals, society and the state from corruption and related offenses and judicial control over the pre-trial investigation of these offenses, respect for the rights, freedoms and interests of persons in criminal proceedings.

Supreme Anti-Corruption Court: administers justice as a court of first and appellate instances in criminal proceedings for offenses referred to its jurisdiction (jurisdiction) by procedural law.

The establishment and operation of the Supreme Anti-Corruption Court has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of the researchers include the acceleration of the terms of consideration of appellate corruption offenses, the unloading of courts of general jurisdiction, the transparency of criminal proceedings. Among the shortcomings are the small number of proceedings that fall under the jurisdiction of NABU, the procedure for appointing a judge of the anti-corruption court, and others.

At the same time, the society has high hopes that the establishment of a judicial body will help strengthen the fight against corruption.