This diploma paper analyses the principle of impartiality of judges which is established in numerous international, foreign and national legal acts. The implementation of this principle in criminal procedure is analysed as well.

Regulation of the principle of impartiality of judges in Lithuanian and international legislature is analysed in this paper. Decisions of the Lithuanian Republic Constitutional Court, cases of the Lithuanian Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights, considered the principle of impartiality of judges were analysed with the purpose to understand the notion of this principle and to evaluate the regulation of this principle in Lithuanian legislature.

The content of the principle of judicial impartiality is determined by making a distinction between subjective and objective aspects of this principle. Violation of either of these aspects entails breach of the principle of judicial impartiality.

In order to evaluate the implementation mechanism of this principle in Lithuania it was necessary to analyse the impact of Lithuanian criminal procedure model on the implementation of this principle and Lithuanian Criminal Procedure Code provisions on challenge of a judge. These provisions also were compared to relevant rules of regulating challenge of partial judges in German, Estonian and Armenian Criminal Procedure Codes .

The analysis of the principle of impartiality of judges has led to a conclusion that this principle is autonomous and fundamental legal principle which is recognized both by the international and national law. Therefore an appropriate regulation and implementation of this principle ensures fair criminal trial and protection of fundamental human rights.

Raktažodžiai: challenge of a judge, criminal procedure, baudžiamasis procesas, baudžiamojo proceso principas, principle of impartiality of judges, principle of criminal procedure, teisėjo nušalinimas, teisėjų nešališkumo principas