Filip Novaković was born on May 20, 1999, in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, to Zoran Novaković and Bosiljka Novaković (née Važić). Raised in a family that valued education, ethics, and community, Filip showed an early affinity for learning and a keen interest in exploring the world around him. His formative years laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to scholarship, social responsibility, and public service.
Filip’s academic journey began at the Faculty of Law of the University of Banja Luka, where he enrolled following his high school education. Immersing himself in the study of law, he quickly distinguished himself as a promising young scholar with a natural aptitude for leadership. Filip’s drive and dedication soon earned him a prominent role within the student body as an active member of the Students' Union of the Faculty of Law. His leadership potential and commitment to improving the student experience were widely recognized, and he was appointed student vice-dean for the 2019/20 academic year, a role in which he represented his peers and worked to address their concerns and aspirations.
Further validating his leadership abilities, Filip was twice elected to serve as a student representative on the Scientific and Teaching Council of the Faculty of Law for the 2020/21 and 2021/22 academic terms. In this capacity, he contributed meaningfully to academic decision-making, providing a student perspective on key policies and advocating for enhanced educational standards. His involvement in these roles not only strengthened his commitment to academic excellence but also provided him with insights into the complexities of institutional governance and academic administration.
Filip completed his undergraduate studies (LL.B. (Hons.) in General Law) at the Faculty of Law, University of Banja Luka, graduating on September 15, 2022. His exceptional academic record was formally recognized by the faculty, which awarded him the prestigious Silver Plaque on February 6, 2023, during the Faculty of Law’s annual celebration. This accolade acknowledged Filip’s high academic achievements, unwavering dedication, and contributions to the academic community. His scholarly endeavors extended beyond his coursework; in 2022, he received the UNESCO International Chair in Bioethics award for an outstanding scientific article that examined ethical issues in legal contexts, underscoring his commitment to the intersection of law, ethics, and societal values.
Eager to deepen his expertise in the legal field, Filip pursued his LL.M. studies at the Faculty of Law of the University of Sarajevo, where he specialized in criminal law. Under the mentorship of Professor Emeritus Dr. Sci. Hajrija Sijerčić-Čolić, Filip developed his master’s thesis, “The Principle of Immediacy in the Implementation and Evaluation of Evidence.” His thesis explored the doctrine of immediacy in criminal proceedings, analyzing how the direct presentation of evidence impacts judicial decision-making, fairness, and the protection of procedural rights. Filip successfully defended his thesis on September 19, 2023, earning the title of Master of Laws.
With a determination to broaden his expertise, Filip is now concurrently pursuing a second master’s degree in International Law at the Faculty of Law of the University of Banja Luka, and a doctorate in Criminal Law at the Faculty of Law of the University of Zenica. His doctoral dissertation, “The Admissibility of Digital Evidence in Modern Criminal Procedure,” addresses critical issues surrounding digital evidence, including its impact on the fairness of criminal proceedings, the challenges posed by rapidly evolving technology, and the need for a harmonized legal framework that protects fundamental rights. This dissertation promises to make a significant contribution to the field, addressing the urgent need for comprehensive guidelines on digital evidence in contemporary criminal trials.
In addition to his formal education, Filip has emerged as a prolific legal scholar, having authored three books and published over 40 scientific and professional articles in both domestic and international journals. His work spans a range of legal fields, including criminal law, international law, human rights law, and legal history. Filip’s scholarly contributions reflect a nuanced understanding of complex legal issues and a commitment to advancing knowledge within the legal community. His writings often explore the intersection of law and human rights, providing insights that inform policy development and public understanding of legal principles.
Filip’s dedication to public service and advocacy is not limited to his academic pursuits. For over a decade, he has been actively involved in animal welfare, a personal passion that he has nurtured since childhood. As a dedicated small animal breeder, Filip raises pigeons, rabbits, poultry, and various bird species, promoting ethical breeding practices and animal welfare. His involvement with the Association of Small Animal Breeders "Zov" from Čelarevo and the Sports Society for the Breeding and Protection of Small Animals "Kozarski Odgajivač" from Bosanska Gradiška underscores his commitment to the preservation of animal welfare standards. Through these associations, he contributes to community initiatives that promote responsible breeding and educate the public on the importance of animal care.
Beyond his work in animal welfare, Filip pursues a wide range of intellectual interests. He has a strong interest in paleontology, with a particular focus on paleozoology and paleobotany, which reflects his fascination with the history of life on Earth. His studies in these fields complement his passion for zoology and offer a holistic perspective on the natural world. Additionally, Filip is an avid reader and painter, finding inspiration in literature and the arts as a means of enriching his intellectual and personal life.
Filip’s commitment to the advancement of law and society is further reflected in his memberships in various professional associations and NGOs. He is an active member of the Association of Lawyers of the Republika Srpska, the Paleontological Society, the Victimology Society of Serbia, and the Croatian Association for European Criminal Law. These affiliations enable him to remain engaged with ongoing developments in his field, collaborate with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects, and contribute to initiatives that seek to improve legal and social systems both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad.
In recognition of his contributions to legal scholarship and public service, Filip was appointed a corresponding member of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian-American Academy of Arts and Sciences in January 2024. This honor acknowledges his dedication to academic excellence and his commitment to advancing legal understanding on an international level. Furthering his service to the community, in November 2024, Filip joined the Board of Directors of the Public Institution “Center for Culture and Sports” of the Municipality of Srbac, Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this role, he contributes to cultural and educational programs that enrich the local community and promote civic engagement.
Filip Novaković’s life and career reflect a dynamic blend of academic excellence, public service, and personal dedication to both scholarly and community endeavors. His multifaceted achievements—from his academic publications and community advocacy to his contributions to animal welfare and paleontological studies—illustrate a life committed to making meaningful contributions across a range of fields. Through his work, Filip exemplifies a compassionate and committed approach to both legal scholarship and public service, embodying a vision of positive societal impact that continues to inspire those around him.