Uzbekistan lowers judicial candidate age limit from 35 to 30

September 8, 2026 at 12:35 PM1 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Uzbekistan's Legislative Chamber passed in first reading a bill lowering the age limit for judicial candidates from 35 to 30. The bill also introduces a five-year initial appointment followed by an indefinite term and creates a 'retired judge' status allowing professional mediation. The legislation aims to strengthen judicial independence and social protections for judges.

Key Facts

The bill lowers the age limit for judges and people's assessors from 35 to 30 years.
Judges would be appointed initially for 5 years, then for an indefinite term, replacing the current 5-year, 10-year, indefinite sequence.
The bill introduces a 'retired judge' institution, granting retired judges the right to engage in professional mediation.
The bill consists of 7 chapters and 47 articles, developed by the Supreme Court.
Six types of state security measures for judges are introduced.

Age Limit Reduction

The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis reviewed the bill 'On the Status of Judges' in first reading on September 8. The bill proposes lowering the age limit for judges and people's assessors from 35 to 30 years. The document was developed by the Supreme Court and consists of 7 chapters and 47 articles.

Appointment and Retirement

The bill introduces a procedure where a judge is first appointed for a 5-year term, then for an indefinite period. This replaces the current system of initial 5-year, then 10-year, then indefinite appointments. The bill also establishes the institution of 'retired judge', allowing retired judges to engage in professional mediation. Requirements for candidates for judge, court chairperson, and deputy chairperson are strengthened.

Social Protection Measures

The bill includes norms on social protection for judges and their family members. Six types of state security measures for judges are introduced. The bill also includes norms aimed at improving the efficiency of the Supreme Court and lower courts' apparatus.