Frequently Asked Questions
- What is BNLI, and when was it established?
BNLI is the national judicial training and research arm of the Royal Court of Justice. It was established on 25 February 2011, under Section 86 of the Judicial Service Act of Bhutan (2007), with HRH Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck as its President. BNLI serves as a hub for legal education, research, and professional development, thereby strengthening Bhutan’s legal system.
2. What is the vision and mission of BNLI?
Vision: “Leading Legal Education for a free, fair, and just society.”
Mission: We promote continuing legal education and professional development of the judicial personnel; enhance legal literacy and access to justice to inspire public trust and confidence in the judicial system.
3. What are the core functions of BNLI?
BNLI’s key functions include:
- Providing judicial training & continuing legal education for judges, lawyers, legal professionals, and local government officials.
- Conducting research on legal issues, legislation, and court judgments.
- Promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) & mediation at the grassroots level.
- Organizing legal awareness programs for the public, schools, and local governments.
- Publishing legal resources, including the Bhutan Law Review and legal commentaries.
4. What training and educational programs does BNLI offer?
BNLI hosts a range of programs:
- Continuing Legal Education (CLE) workshops for judges, clerks, and lawyers.
- Annual Bhutan Law Review to foster scholarly legal writing.
- Mediation training for local government leaders, court officials, and relevant stakeholders.
- Any other judicial and legal training as deemed necessary and requested.
5. What is Court-Annexed Mediation (CAM) and how does it work?
CAM is a system that allows court-registered civil cases to be referred to mediation before a verdict. Judges or parties can initiate it at any time prior to judgment. It utilizes certified and trained mediators within designated CAMUs at all courts.
6. What publications are available through BNLI?
- Bhutan Law Review: Bi-annual legal journal fostering academic legal discourse.
- National Mediation Report: Yearly statistical analysis of community mediation results.
- Annual reports on BNLI’s activities.
- Mediation Training Manual, 2022
7. What resources are available at the BNLI Library?
The BNLI Library houses over 2700 titles covering various contemporary legal subjects, including books, journals, magazines, reports, and research publications. It also maintains a collection of electronic materials in CD-ROM format to support legal research and reference.
8. Does the BNLI Library offer online access to its materials?
BNLI is in the process of developing legal databases that will provide online access to selected resources through the Library-Koha system, enhancing accessibility for researchers, lawyers, and judicial personnel.
9. What is the purpose of School Law Clubs in Bhutanese schools?
School Law Clubs aim to cultivate law-abiding citizenship among students by promoting legal awareness, understanding of Bhutan’s laws, and appreciation of national values. Through interactive programs, students are empowered to engage meaningfully with legal principles and civic responsibilities.
10. What activities do Law Clubs organize throughout the academic year?
Law Clubs conduct a range of enriching activities, including legal literacy sessions, mock trials, peer mediation, field trips to Courts and law enforcement bodies, thematic guest lecture series, and legal essay, art, and quiz contests. These initiatives foster critical thinking, advocacy skills, and a deeper respect for the rule of law.
11. How are Law Clubs supported and monitored by the BNLI?
Each Law Club operates under the guidance of a designated Coordinator(s) who prepares annual action plans and submits activity reports to the Bhutan National Legal Institute. The Institute provides oversight, resources, and strategic direction to ensure the clubs remain impactful and aligned with national priorities.
12. What is the purpose of the Judges’ Book Club?
The Judges’ Book Club serves as a dynamic platform for intellectual engagement and professional enrichment. It fosters meaningful dialogue among members of the judiciary and legal fraternity while promoting a culture of reading, reflection, and continuous learning beyond the courtroom.
13.Who can become a member of the Judges’ Book Club?
While the Club primarily engages judges and legal professionals, membership is open to anyone with a genuine interest in legal thought and literature. Preference is given to those within the legal field, and participation is based on personal and institutional interest.
14.How does the Judges’ Book Club contribute to professional development?
The Club enhances critical thinking, communication, and academic competencies through curated readings and interactive discussions. It also supports Continuing Legal Education (CLE) by offering a creative and collegial space for lifelong learning and professional growth.
15. Tell me about the Legal Aid Center.
More about the Legal Aid Center is given in a separate section on the website. But brief information is here for your instant consumption: Established on October 19, 2022, under Royal Command, the Legal Aid Center ensures access to justice for indigent persons through legal advice, assistance, and representation. It upholds constitutional rights and strengthens the rule of law in Bhutan.
16. How can the public contact BNLI?
- Website: bnli.bt
- Facebook: Bhutan National Legal Institute (official page)
- Phone/Fax: +975‑2‑331628 / 331630 (phone), +975‑2‑336701 (fax) (bnli.bt)
- Address: Supreme Court Complex, Hejo, Thimphu, P.O. Box 575
17. Who are BNLI’s partners and supporting institutions?
BNLI collaborates with:
- Royal Government of Bhutan
- Royal Courts of Justice
- Royal Bhutan Police
- Local governments
- Various donor and international institutions, e.g. UNDP, UNICEF, National Judicial Academy, Bhopal (MoU signed in 2019)
18. How is BNLI funded?
Funding sources include:
- Royal Government of Bhutan’s allocations
- Government of India
- Donor grants (UNDP, bilateral agencies)
- Occasionally, pro bono partnerships for mediation services
19. What ethical standards govern BNLI?
BNLI personnel follow a formal Code of Conduct (2023), aligned with the Anti-Corruption Act and public service norms, emphasizing integrity, lawfulness, impartiality, and accountability
20. How can individuals participate in BNLI programs?
- Judicial officers participate via official appointments
- Bench clerks, mediators, and LG leaders invited to training
- Scholars and lawyers can submit articles to the Bhutan Law Review
21. Where can I find BNLI’s mediation statistics and legal publications?
- Download free National Mediation Reports
- View current and past Bhutan Law Review issues
- All materials are available online at our website (www.bnli.bt)