On 7 March judge Luis Rodríguez Vega from section 15 of the Provincial Court of Barcelona offered a session as part of the Law Conferences aimed at Degree students.  In the session, Rodriguez Vega noted that “Citizens have a right to independent judges” and “ordinary courts must protect everyone as far as exercising their rights is concerned”. 

Rodríguez Vega explained that the Spanish Constitution does not recognise the figure of the impartial judge as a fundamental right, but also pointed out that special mention is indeed made of this in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  

“Judges pass sentences that are submitted only to law” said the magistrate who also reflected along with students on the importance of the role of judges.  “You can defend someone or you can destroy a person’s life.  It is a hugely important responsibility” he pointed out.