Independence of the Judiciary - SS1 Government Lesson Note

The independence of the judiciary means that judges should be free from outside influence, and should be able to make decisions solely based on the law and the evidence presented in a case. This is important because it helps to ensure that justice is served fairly and impartially, without any undue influence from outside parties such as the government or other powerful groups.

To maintain the independence of the judiciary, judges are appointed for life or a long term, and their salaries are typically protected from being reduced by the government. Judges are also typically not allowed to be removed from office without a just cause, and are protected from retaliation for their decisions.

The independence of the judiciary is often seen as a cornerstone of democracy, as it ensures that the rule of law is upheld and that everyone is subject to the same legal standards. Without an independent judiciary, powerful individuals or groups could use their influence to manipulate the legal system to their own advantage, undermining the integrity of the legal system and eroding public trust in the rule of law.