Since gaining independence, the Republic of Kazakhstan has paid special attention to the development, improvement, and modernization of the country's judicial branch. Specialists in the field of the judicial system emphasize, above all, the principle of transparency in judicial activity, namely: ensuring independence, issues of enhancing the image of judges, access to justice, as well as the role of courts and judges in a democratic society and the state as a whole.

The Constitutional Act of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the Judicial System and Status of Judges of the Republic of Kazakhstan" enshrines the fundamental guarantees that ensure the independence of a judge. These are: a special procedure for administering justice; liability for interference in a judge's activities in administering justice; liability for contempt of court and judges; immunity of judges; a special procedure for the election and appointment to the position of judge; a judge's right to resign; and provision of material maintenance and social security for judges at the expense of the state.

Since time immemorial, judges have represented the legal elite. The image of a judge has been associated with the ideal of honor and dignity, justice and legality. Currently, the issue of the image of judges is particularly relevant in Kazakhstan. The independence and image of a judge, in our opinion, are two interrelated and mutually dependent elements of all activities of judges in the Republic of Kazakhstan. A judge's independence is formed on the basis of their image.

In Kazakhstan, future judges are trained at university law faculties, as well as at the Academy of Justice, which is part of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Future judges studying at these educational institutions must develop moral and ethical foundations and an understanding of justice. It is the historical experience of the biys (traditional judges) of the Kazakh steppe that can serve as a foundation for elevating the image of judges.

Of great significance is the monograph by Academician Salyk Zimanov, "The Court of Biys – A Unique Judicial System," published in Almaty in 2009. As the Academician noted, the main criteria for the high level of moral and ethical qualities of the biys' courts were: "independence, professionalism, philosophical reflection, oratory skills, utmost justice and honesty, free thought and populist ideals, mastery of the richness and style of folk eloquence, polemical abilities, prudence and resourcefulness in finding solutions to disputed conflict situations." Based on these criteria, they formed the fundamental principles of judicial life and activity.

A judicial system worker, by their very nature, must be unique, comprehensively developed, respect the national legal culture of society, be nurtured for this activity from an early age, and be an adherent of legality, justice, and humanity. Therefore, a future lawyer must know the national legal culture, maintain a neutral position and be objective; be able to interact constructively and be respectful.

In a democratic and legal state, the image of a judge must be of the highest level. Justice cannot be administered solely through impeccable knowledge of legislation. Therefore, every lawyer must constantly be on the path to developing their human qualities. Building a rule-of-law state in our country is linked to effective judicial proceedings. Shaping the image of judges, i.e., their moral and ethical character, is one of the main challenges facing the judicial branch of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The image of the court is that essential element of judicial activity without which justice and truth cannot be achieved. To this end, judges and judicial system workers must constantly and consistently promote and demonstrate high standards of conduct in order to strengthen public confidence in the justice system. This is the foundation for maintaining an independent judiciary that ensures a harmonious combination of protecting the interests of the individual, society, and the state. The image of the court is the starting point from which justice and public trust in the state begin.

Aidana KARIBAYEVA,

Head of the Administration of the Ridder City

Court of the East Kazakhstan Region