Comparative criminal justice M5D

Overview of the courtroom of the International Court of Justice, also known as the world court in The Hague, Netherlands. (AP Photo/ Bas Czerwinski)

After reviewing the training of judges and the judiciary in our six model nations, what do you think the key qualities of a judge are in administering justice? Which of the model nations and/or systems are most conducive to advancing judges that have these qualities? How are judicial independence and impartiality related to judges being able to administer justice appropriately?

ANSWER

Comparative Criminal Justice M5D

In administering justice, judges are required to show the qualities of judicial temperament, intelligence, Ethics, courage and integrity and legal education. Judicial temperament is the capacity to deal with people equitably and without bias. This includes qualities such as being patient, open-minded, respectful and impartial. Intelligence is important in order to be able to understand the law and legal issues (Dammer and Albanese, 2013). Ethics are important in order for judges to be trustworthy and credible. Courage is important so that judges can make difficult decisions. Integrity is important so that judges can be trusted to uphold the law. Legal education is important so that judges can be knowledgeable about the law. For instance, a judge who has a law degree will be able to better understand the law and legal issues than a judge who does not have a law degree.

England has the most conducive system for advancing judges that have these qualities. The English system of selecting and appointing judges is based on merit, which ensures that only the most qualified individuals are appointed to the bench. In addition, the English system provides for ongoing training and education for judges, which helps to ensure that they remain knowledgeable about the law (Dammer and Albanese, 2013). The legal education in England is also among the best in the world, which helps to ensure that judges in England are well-qualified to administer justice.

The United States also has a system that is conducive to advancing judges that have these qualities. The American system of selecting and appointing judges is based on merit, which ensures that only the most qualified individuals are appointed to the bench. In addition, the American system provides for ongoing training and education for judges, which helps to ensure that they remain knowledgeable about the law. The legal education in the United States is also among the best in the world, which helps to ensure that judges in the United States are well-qualified to administer justice.

References

Dammer, H. R., & Albanese, J. S. (2013). Comparative criminal justice systems. Cengage Learning.