Judicial independence in the Rule of Law
Institutional guarantees, transparency, and public trust
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51915/ret.440Keywords:
Judicial independence, Councils of the Judiciary, Public trust, Transparency, AccountabilityAbstract
Judicial independence is a fundamental pillar of the Rule of Law, essential for safeguarding rights and controlling other public powers. Its institutional guarantee lies in the Councils of the Judiciary, governing bodies that must be independent and have a predominantly judicial membership to prevent political interference. While the principle of the separation of powers requires autonomy, it must be complemented by constructive dialogue and accountability to society. The legitimacy of the judicial system depends not only on its independence but also on its ability to generate public trust. To achieve this, it is crucial to promote transparency, proactive institutional communication with the media, and civic education that brings justice closer to citizens. The tension between judicial autonomy and potential interference from the executive and legislative branches—through funding, legal reforms, or committees of inquiry—represents a constant risk that must be managed with balance and institutional loyalty.
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