On 28 October, the Law Institute of the Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences (LCSS) celebrated the 35th anniversary of its establishment! To mark this special occasion, legal scholars, experts and friends of the Institute were invited to a conference entitled “Law and (In)Vulnerability: Between Standards, Reality and Visions for the Future.” The event, held in the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Justice, was opened by Martynas Dobrovolskis, Vice-Minister of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania. Congratulatory addresses were delivered by Prof. Dr Milda Ališauskienė, Director of the LCSS, and Assoc. Prof. Dr Dovilė Pūraitė-Andrikienė, Head of the LCSS Law Institute. In recognition of long-standing cooperation and productive partnerships, representatives of the Law Institute presented certificates of appreciation to their longstanding social partners: the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania, the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Lithuania, the Faculty of Law of Vilnius University, the Supreme Court of Lithuania, the Seimas Committee on Legal Affairs and Law Enforcement, the Faculty of Law of Vytautas Magnus University, the Lithuanian Prison Service, and the Faculty of Philosophy of Vilnius University. Special tributes were also paid to individuals whose contributions to the Institute's history and community life have been particularly significant. Dr Algimantas Čepas, former Head of the Institute, was honoured for his longstanding dedication to nurturing the identity of the Law Institute, while Nijolė Mažylienė, the Institute's administrator since its establishment, was recognised for her many years of fostering its spirit of community and togetherness.
The conference explored topics reflecting contemporary trends and challenges in the development of law.
Session 1: “Vulnerability in Law: Concepts, Diversity of Groups and Protection Models” The first session featured three presentations examining the situation of and protection afforded to three vulnerable groups. Dr E. Žiobienė discussed the essence and significance of children's rights and the changes in the child protection system over recent decades. Dr E. Leonaitė presented possible approaches to protecting women from systemic violence, while Dr R. Vaičiūnienė analysed issues relating to the social reintegration of persons serving custodial sentences.
Session 2: “The ‘Untouchable’? The Limits of Criminal Sanctions” The second session focused on analysing the limits of criminal justice and its capacity to address various forms of wrongdoing. In his presentation, Dr D. Pranka examined a proposal currently under consideration in the Seimas to criminalise and control even very minor thefts. He shared his insights into the legal paradoxes that could arise if the proposed amendments to the Criminal Code were adopted. Dr S. Bikelis reviewed Lithuania's progress in the confiscation of criminal assets, while also drawing attention to certain anomalies in the application of liability for illicit enrichment that are inconsistent with the principle of proportionality as interpreted by the European Court of Human Rights. An expert discussion on accountability gaps concerning political parties and politicians explored how certain criminal proceedings in Lithuania had contributed to improvements in the legal system. Participants also discussed current problems relating to the scope of parliamentary and political immunity, inconsistencies between the Criminal Code and the Electoral Code, and a combination of legal provisions that can allow a municipal mayor who has given a substantial bribe to continue their political career virtually unhindered.
Session 3: “Equal Opportunities and Non-Discrimination Issues” The third session was devoted to the postdoctoral research project conducted by Dr R. Bublienė at the LCSS Law Institute, entitled “Multiple Discrimination and Labour Income: A Comparative Analysis of Legal Regulations in European Countries” (MEDALIC). The session marked the concluding part of the project, which was funded by the Research Council of Lithuania. Dr R. Bublienė discussed the impact of multiple and intersectional discrimination on employment opportunities and income; Dr A. Burinskas addressed issues relating to women's economic freedom; Dr I. Povilaitienė examined the challenges and prospects of transposing and implementing the Pay Transparency Directive; and Dr G. Taminskaitė-Kočiūnė explored the balance between family and work.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the speakers, to the participants in the discussions held after each session, and to the LSMC Law Institute researchers who expertly moderated the sessions and discussions – Dr M. Lankauskas, Dr S. Bikelis and Dr R. Bublienė.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this important anniversary and who contributes to the work of the LSMC Law Institute and the advancement of legal scholarship!