President Marks 150 Years of Notary Profession as Pillar of Rule of Law

President Tamás Sulyok

“Operating a functioning rule of law in any era requires committed, conscientious, and well-prepared legal professionals,” said President Tamás Sulyok at a conference marking the 150th anniversary of the civil notary profession, held on Friday in Budapest.

The head of state emphasized the need for individuals like those the notary corps has provided Hungary since 1875—professionals whose expertise, attentiveness, and impartiality are beyond question. “Notaries, as guardians of authenticity, must have justice as their true compass,” he stressed.

Tamás Sulyok recalled that 150 years ago, Hungary underwent a comprehensive legal system renewal, with new laws regulating the courts, prosecutors, and from 1875 onward, the work of notaries and lawyers. The legislation establishing civil notaries created a distinct professional body. Serving as a cornerstone of non-contentious justice, the notary profession became a vital part of Hungary’s constitutional order.

The president highlighted that from the outset, notaries were required to possess a high level of legal expertise, uphold integrity, and meet strict conflict-of-interest criteria. Alongside their deep knowledge, precision and meticulousness became hallmarks of the profession.

Their role was to uphold the primacy and indisputable authenticity of the law within the developing and strengthening rule of law, Tamás Sulyok said, adding that the notary profession’s mission has been to demonstrate the stability and unquestionable strength of the legal system. Notaries became trustees of public trust, pledging allegiance to the constitution in their oath.

At the event held at Budapest’s Károlyi-Csekonics Palace, Tamás Sulyok also paid tribute to Bálint Ökröss, the legal scholar who codified the notary law. Bálint Ökröss studied notarial institutions in Western Europe before resigning from his ministerial post to become a notary himself after the law’s enactment.

“The notary profession was shaped not only by the law enacted 150 years ago but also by the notaries and their deputies who have served it as a true professional community,” the president noted, expressing gratitude to academician Gábor Rokolya for his thorough research into the history of the notary corps.

Via MTI; Featured image: MTI/Bruzák Noémi

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