Judges are central to the public’s perception of the justice system and are perceived (rightly) as both the symbolic and corporeal guardians of the rule of law - it is therefore crucial that judges avoid any appearance of impropriety. Many of the rules governing judges are based on strict codes of ethical conduct.
In recent years there have been particular challenges to judicial independence, most particularly by the continuing trend to politicise judicial issues, appointments, and elections by focusing on a single issue or point of view.
This programme explores the key factors that underpin judicial ethical behaviour. The aim is to describe an ethical framework based on the Bangalore Principles (established in 2001 as a code of judicial conduct that was adopted by the UN) that act as a guide and can assist in regulating judicial behaviour.