Legislation on administrative offences to undergo reforms — New draft Code discussed with civil society representatives

Deputy Minister of Justice Armenuhi Harutyunyan delivered opening remarks at the discussion of the new draft Code on Administrative Offences organised by the "Centre for Legislation Development and Legal Research" Foundation. Attaching importance to the guests' interest in the process of reforms, Armenuhi Harutyunyan stated that the need for adoption of a new Code on Administrative Offences is long overdue, as, in spite of the several amendments made to the existing Code, it is not in line with the modern developments in administrative law. Director of the "Centre for Legislation Development and Legal Research" Tigran Dadunts presented the main regulations of the new draft Code, mentioning that the package provides the following main reforms:

• provisions regarding the liability of both natural and legal persons are prescribed;
• uniform rules and conditions of proceedings with regard to cases on administrative offences are prescribed;
• legal institutions required for ensuring the regular course of proceedings with regard to cases on administrative offences and safeguarding the rights of persons are introduced;
• sector-specific legislative acts are reviewed so that they exclude needless duplication and contradictions, etc.

Head of the Chair of Law at the Public Administration Academy, expert Tamara Shakaryan provided the background of development of the draft Code, as well as presented the main ideas and conceptual directions.

Representatives of non-governmental organisations interested in the sector gave their questions, expressed their concerns and made recommendations; an active discussion was held, and the directions for further betterment of the package were predetermined. At the end of the meeting, the participants agreed to continue the effective co-operation and the discussions on legislative reforms.