International standards

There are many international standards defining the framework of an efficient and independent judiciary. These standards describe in detail how judiciaries can act in accordance with basic rules of due process and propose practical solutions for the recruitment, training, career, responsibilities and disciplinary procedures of the judiciary.

UN Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary (1985)

These represent minimum standards that should govern; the independence of the judiciary, judges’ freedom of expression of their beliefs, and the qualification, selection and training of judges. The principles also promulgate standards for judges’ service and tenure, professional secrecy and immunity, and discipline, suspension and removal procedures.

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UN Procedures for the Effective Implementation of the Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary (1989)

These describe the process to implement UN’s Basic Principles on the Independence of Judiciary, and includes steps to enhance this implementation, and establishes a periodic reporting procedure to ensure compliance with the Principles.

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Council of Europe Recommendation No. R(94)12 on the Independence, Efficiency and Role of Judges (1989)

This is a recommendation to governments of member states to adopt or reinforce all measures necessary to promote the role of individual judges and the judiciary as a whole and to strengthen their independence and efficiency.

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Council of Europe European Charter on the Statute for Judges (1998)

The Statute for Judges aims at ensuring the competence, independence and impartiality which every individual expects from the courts of law and from every judge to whom is entrusted the protection of individuals’ rights. The Charter specifically deals with selection, recruitment and initial training of judges and their career development, liability, remuneration, social welfare, and termination of office.

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Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct (2002)

These proposes rules of conduct for judges and describe how such rules may apply in practice.

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