Hogan Lovells and Armenian NGO Disability Rights Agenda act as amicus curiae in a in a landmark case brought by the Ombudsperson of Armenia to end blanket ban on judges with disabilities

The Constitutional Court’s ruling, handed down in September 2025, declared the automatic disqualification of individuals with disabilities from judicial and other public functions to be unconstitutional. The Court affirmed that while the Government has authority to establish health-related requirements for public service, such requirements must be reasonable, proportionate, and not undermine the constitutional right to serve in public office.

In particular, the Court held that blanket bans – including those affecting individuals who are blind, deaf, or living with certain mental health conditions – violate fundamental rights. It stressed that eligibility should be determined by an individual’s functional capacity, professional qualifications, intellectual ability, and the use of assistive technologies, rather than disability status alone.

This judgment represents a significant advancement for disability rights in Armenia. It means that individuals with disabilities will now be able to serve as judges, police officers, and in other public service roles. The decision may also set an important precedent for challenging similar restrictions that persist across post-Soviet states.

Hogan Lovells’ representation included drafting an amicus brief and facilitating an affidavit from Judge David Tatel, a retired U.S. federal judge and pro bono senior counsel at Hogan Lovells. Judge Tatel spoke powerfully about the importance of reasonable adjustments within the judiciary and the value that diversity of lived experience brings to judicial decision-making.

Haylea Campbell, pro bono senior associate at Hogan Lovells, said:

"This ruling is a breakthrough moment for disability rights in Armenia and beyond. We are proud to have supported Disability Rights Agenda in ensuring that the Constitutional Court recognized the principle that disability should never automatically disqualify a person from serving their community. Armenia has moved to an approach based on individual capacity and reasonable accommodation, sending a clear message.”

The Hogan Lovells team collaborated closely with Disability Rights Agenda throughout the case, reviewing comparative international standards, preparing legal submissions, and ensuring that the lived experiences of persons with disabilities were fully represented before the Court.