Technical Staff
April 29, 2021

Even in autocratic regimes, there is a judiciary. But does it have an independent and effective one? The judiciary branch of governance exists in all countries. But its independence and effectiveness vary from country to country. In some countries, the judiciary’s independence is merely in appearance. In other countries, the judiciary’s independence is unquestionable in appearance and most likely in fact. 

The reasons for such differences in independence and public confidence in the judiciary are beyond the scope of this opinion. However, they are related to social, economic, and political reasons. But can a nation effectively fight corruption without an independent and effective judiciary? The answer is simply no. An effective fight against corruption requires an independent and effective judiciary. This is one of the Anti-Corruption Principles declared by The American Anti-Corruption Institute (AACI). It is impossible to imagine an effective fight against corruption with a corrupt and ineffective judiciary.

Judges are human: they are not angles! There are competent and incompetent judges. We have courageous judges, but we have corrupt judges. 

Corruption in the Judiciary Branch of Governance

Corruption must be at an acceptable low level. When corruption infiltrates the judiciary, public confidence in all government institutions declines significantly. As a result, this damage seriously affects human rights and affects vulnerable people. Social unrest and chaos are inevitable consequences. However, there must always be courageous judges whose citizens must cooperate to protect their immediate interests: the country.