Judiciaries in comparative perspective

"An independent and impartial judiciary is fundamental to the existence and operation of a liberal democracy. Focussing on Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States, this comparative study explores four major issues affecting the judicial institution. These issues relate to the appointment and discipline of judges; judges and freedom of speech; the performance of non-judicial functions by judges; and judicial bias and recusal, and each is set within the context of the importance of maintaining public confidence in the judiciary. The essays highlight important episodes or controversies affecting members of the judiciary to illustrate relevant principles"--. "The study of judicial independence is important in national legal systems as it is an essential guarantee for democracy and liberty. Judicial independence is also an essential feature in ensuring a globalised economy. Corporations must have confidence in the impartiality and independence of the tribunals that will adjudicate disputes in the multiple jurisdictions in which they operate around the world."

Part I: 1. Judicial independence and accountability: core values in liberal democracies Shimon Shetreet; Part II: 2. Appointment, discipline and removal of judges in Australia H.P. Lee; 3. Appointment, discipline and removal of judges in Canada Martin Friedland; 4. Appointment, discipline and removal of judges in New Zealand Philip Joseph; 5. Appointment, discipline and removal of judges in South Africa Hugh Corder; 6. Appointment, discipline and removal of judges -- fundamental reforms in the United Kingdom Kate Malleson; 7. Judicial selection, removal and discipline in the United States Mark Tushnet; Part III: 8. Judges' freedom of speech: Australia John Williams; 9. Judges and free speech in Canada Kent Roach; 10. Judges and free speech in New Zealand The Hon. Grant Hammond; 11. The judiciary and freedom of speech in South Africa Iain Currie; 12. Judges and free speech in the United Kingdom Keith Ewing; 13. The criticism and speech of judges in the United States Charles Gardner Geyh; Part IV: 14. Judges, bias and recusal in Australia Colin Campbell; 15. Judges, bias and recusal in Canada Lorne Soissin; 16. Judicial recusal in New Zealand Gerard McCoy; 17. Judges, bias and recus…