The secrecy of deliberations is a principle of high importance within the UPC system. Accordingly, the oath taken by the judges refers to the secrecy of deliberations (Art 6 UPC Statute). First and foremost, opinions relating to the legal aspects of a case which a judge has expressed during the course of deliberations must be kept secret as well as the voting in a case if a unanimous verdict has not been reached. Preliminary views expressed in draft judgments as well as notes made during the course of an oral hearing or during deliberations must also be kept secret. This principle aims to ensure the independence of the judges in making their decisions and also applies with regard to the Court as an institution and its administration.