Russian President: Advocacy - Basic Element of Improving Russian Administration of Law

Russian President Vladimir Putin calls the development of advocacy a basic element of improving Russian administration of law, reads the President's greeting message to delegates of the first all-Russian congress of lawyers.

Vladimir Putin stressed that the forum "is called to adopt the most important decisions on which the development of the institution of Russian judicature and the formation of a federal chamber of Russian lawyers depend." The adoption of a code of professional ethics is another task faced by the congress. "In effect," the President believes, "this means the revival of renewed Russian judicature and authentic self-government of lawyers." The development of judicature, the Russian leader believes, "is an important element on the way to enhancing justice in the country and improving the efficiency of administration of law." The President expressed the hope that the activity of the delegates to the Congress "will continue the best traditions of Russian advocacy" and "will contribute to a drastic improvement of the standards of juridical help to the population." It is envisaged at the first all-Russian congress of Russian lawyers to set up a federal chamber of lawyers, adopt its charter and elect the chamber's council and president. In addition, the delegates to the congress will adopt the code of lawyers' professional ethics.

The congress has gathered 259 delegates from all across Russia.