Judges on Trial: The Independence and Accountability of the English Judiciary

Judges on Trial is a book written by Shimon Shetreet, who is a professor of law at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and an expert in the field of comparative law. The book presents an in-depth analysis of the independence and accountability of the English judiciary, particularly in light of recent developments in the UK legal system.

Shetreet argues that the English judiciary has historically enjoyed a high degree of independence from political and other external influences, particularly due to the tradition of judicial self-governance and the appointment of judges based on merit and qualifications rather than political affiliations. However, he also notes that recent developments, such as the creation of a new Supreme Court and the increase in government involvement in the appointment of judges, have raised concerns about the continued independence of the judiciary.

The book also examines the accountability of judges, particularly their accountability to the public and to the ethical standards of the legal profession. Shetreet looks at measures such as judicial discipline, public inquiries and complaints procedures, and argues that while the English judiciary has generally been successful in maintaining high ethical standards, there is room for improvement in terms of transparency and accountability to the public.

Overall, Judges on Trial is a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the role of the judiciary in the UK legal system, and provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the judiciary as it navigates a rapidly changing legal landscape. Description by ChatGPT.