This article examines the legal nature, scope, and limits of judicial immunity as a fundamental guarantee of the independence and security of judges, with particular reference to the legal system of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Drawing on constitutional provisions, national legislation, comparative law, and international standards, the study critically analyzes competing doctrinal approaches to judicial immunity. One approach views immunity as a source of legal inequality, while another considers it a necessary functional safeguard ensuring impartial adjudication. The article substantiates the position that judicial immunity is not a personal privilege but a functional and institutional legal regime (sui generis) aimed at protecting judges from unlawful pressure and interference.

Special attention is paid to the distinction between judicial independence as a principle governing decision-making and judicial inviolability (immunity) as a procedural mechanism establishing special rules for criminal, administrative, and disciplinary liability. The article argues that immunity should not be regarded as an integral element of independence, as it persists even after a judge’s resignation and serves broader objectives related to the stability of state power. Based on international instruments and foreign practice, the author proposes amendments to national legislation to clarify procedures for searches, detention, and prosecution of judges, thereby strengthening accountability while preserving judicial independence.

Judicial immunity, Independence of judges, Functional immunity

Recommendation no. r (94) 12 Of the committee of ministers to member states on the independence, efficiency and role of judges https://surl.lt/rxprmk

Text of the Rome Statute, circulated as document A/CONF.183/9 of 17 July 1998, with amendments based on the protocols of 10 November 1998, 12 July 1999, 30 November 1999, 8 May 2000, 17 January 2001, and 16 January 2002. The Statute entered into force on 1 July 2002. https://surl.li/uquyns

The Bangalore Principles of Courtesy in The Hague, November 26, 2002 https://surl.li/ppamtw

Стецовский Ю.И. Судебная власть: учеб. пособие. – М.: Дело, 1999. – C. 108-114., Чувилев А., Агаев Ф. Проблемы реализации конституционного принципа равенства всех перед законом и судом в уголовном судопроизводстве. Уголовное право. 1999. № 2. – С. 72–73.

The Judicial Code of the Republic of Armenia https://surl.li/triedf

Constitution of Georgia https://legalns.com/download/books/cons/georgia.pdf

Клеандров М.И. Статус судьи: правовой и смежные компоненты / Российская акад. наук, Ин-т государства и права. – Москва: Норма, 2008. – C. 148-149; Петрухин И.Л. Проблемы судебной власти в современной России. Государство и право. 2000. № 8. – С. 7–8.; Капинус Н. Если неприкасаемые, то насколько? Закон. 2001. № 9. –С. 6.; Даев В.Г. Иммунитеты в уголовно-процессуальной деятельности // Правоведение. 1992. № 3. – С. 48.

Ржевский В.А., Чепурнова Н.М. Судебная власть в Российской Федерации: конституционные основы организации и деятельности. — М.: Юристъ, 1998.

Абдураҳмонхўжаев Ж.Х. Ўзбекистонда судьялар корпусини шакллантиришни такомиллаштириш ва улар мустақиллигини таъминлаш. Юридик фанлар бўйича фалсафа доктори диссертацияси автореферати. Тошкент, 2018. 16-б.

Laila Jurcena Turiba University, Latvia Judicial immunity – a guarantee of independence and an element of accountability https://surl.li/noedcq