Bahir Dar, June 27, 2026 (Amhara Region Supreme Court)
Judges and senior and middle-level leaders of judicial and justice institutions in the Amhara Region have received training on professional ethics as part of the region's ongoing judicial reform efforts aimed at strengthening integrity, professionalism, and public confidence in the justice system.
Enhancing the professional competence and ethical standards of judges, judicial council appointees, and court personnel is one of the key reform initiatives being undertaken by the Amhara Region Supreme Court to improve the quality of judicial service delivery throughout the region.
Recognizing that meaningful transformation in the judicial and justice sector requires strong collaboration among all stakeholders, the Supreme Court organized a workshop that brought together senior and middle-level leaders from the Region Police, Justice Bureau, Prison Commission, and other justice institutions. The workshop reviewed the progress of joint reform efforts and explored future areas of cooperation to further improve justice services for the people of the region.
During the workshop, legal scholars from various institutions delivered presentations and facilitated discussions on key issues affecting the judicial and justice sector. Participants actively engaged in discussions based on the papers presented.
Among the guest speakers was Professor Petro Toja, a distinguished criminal justice scholar who served for 27 years in the Department of Criminal Justice at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, United States. Professor Petro delivered training on the professional ethics expected of leaders and professionals serving in judicial and justice institutions.
Drawing on his extensive academic and professional experience, including teaching at universities in the United States, Italy, and other countries, Professor Petro shared international perspectives and practical experiences with participants.
He emphasized that judicial and justice institutions must uphold the highest standards of professional ethics because they derive their legitimacy from the public's trust. Maintaining that trust, he said requires all justice sector professionals to perform their duties with integrity, impartiality, and accountability.
Using examples from the United States and other countries, Professor Petro explained the nature and importance of professional ethics in the justice sector and introduced participants to various philosophical perspectives on ethical conduct. The presentations were followed by interactive discussions during which participants raised questions and shared their views.
In a separate training session, Professor Petro provided specialized instruction on judicial ethics for judges and judicial council appointees of the Amhara Region Supreme Court.
He noted that judges, entrusted by society with protecting citizens' lives, property, rights, and freedoms, carry a profound responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards and preserve the dignity and honor of the judiciary.
Professor Petro further stressed that judges are expected to demonstrate exemplary ethical conduct not only in the courtroom but also in their daily lives and social interactions. He explained that certain professional restrictions—including limitations on the use of social media—are designed to safeguard judicial independence, protect the integrity of the profession, and reinforce public confidence that judicial decisions are made fairly and without bias. He added that similar ethical standards and restrictions apply to judges in many countries, including the United States.
The training concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which judges and council appointees raised a wide range of issues related to judicial ethics. Drawing on his extensive academic expertise and practical experience, Professor Petro provided detailed responses and valuable insights.
