Sunday, December 2, 2012

(Mis)judge all!

Judges should be appointed...

A debate drawing global attention today is on whether judges should be elected or appointed. Supporters of electoral process defend it quoting democracy as the keyword. But here, we’re talking about the judiciary, not the glam and glitz business! Many intelligent judges would lose to many public-seeking non-intellectuals (who could manage to draw public attention!).

Amongst the few who follow the electoral process are the states in US, where state-court judges participate, raise funds, and do everything possible to gain popularity as politicians [plain intellect be damned!]. Sadly, judges in the highest courts of justice are also chosen by the same old electoral process.

For example, the International Criminal Court (ICC) elects popular judges who can win 66.67% of 108 votes. Moreover, a hefty annual package of above $170,000 during their nine years tenure only works to attract corrupted & powerful judges or those close to the ruling class even without adequate qualifications or experience. Electoral process in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is worse.


Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.An Initiative of IIPMMalay Chaudhuri

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