Topic Guide: Judicial Corruption

Innovative anti-corruption reforms in the judiciary. Martini, M., 2014. http://www.transparency.org/wh...  

Operational reforms that may help prevent political influence and reduce certain types of corruption usually include measures such as the introduction of an adequate case management system, ethical and technical training for judges, court staff and prosecutors, appropriate salaries and benefits, the adoption of clear rules for the appointment, promotion, transfer and removal from office of judges and prosecutors. Innovative approaches in this area seem to relate to the use of technology, not only to improve the management of documents and communication within the judiciary system, but also to enhance transparency and accountability to the general public. Within this framework, civil society organisations are increasingly playing an important role in monitoring and overseeing, as well as providing training courses to the judiciary and even ensuring the fair appointment of judges. Other innovative approaches include the adoption of specialised prosecution bodies, the recording and monitoring of court proceedings, and limitations to immunity, prosecutorial discretion and duration of proceedings. This answer is also available in French and Spanish.  

Initiatives to reduce corruption in the judiciary in francophone West Africa. Wickberg, S., 2014. http://www.transparency.org/wh...  

The judiciary is a key pillar of good governance and a necessary element of anti-corruption efforts.

Governments, donors, international organisations and civil society are working, together or separately, to address the issue of corruption in the judiciary. Judicial corruption in francophone West Africa stems from the systematic interference of the other branches of the government and the politicisation of the affairs of the judiciary, combined with a lack of transparency and a distance from users that prevent citizens from holding magistrates to account. The initiatives presented here attempt to reduce corruption by addressing these issues and make the judiciary more transparent, independent and accountable. Social accountability initiatives as well as programmes focussing on the use of technology are featured as they have become increasingly popular methods of measuring accountability and transparency. This answer is also available in French.  

Panama: overview of corruption risks in the judiciary and prosecution services. Jennett, V., 2014 http://www.transparency.org/wh...  

The legal system in Panama faces serious challenges to its integrity. There is political interference in appointing judges, particularly to the supreme court. There is no independent body to investigate corrupt acts of public officials. It is problematic that, by law, only supreme court judges can investigate corrupt acts of National Assembly members and vice versa. Anti-corruption prosecution offices are underfunded and understaffed. Some state institutions do not cooperate with prosecutors in corruption cases involving illicit enrichment of public officials.