Making Judicial Reform Work
Survey reveals a significantly diminished level of confidence in judicial systems worldwide.
Trust in judicial systems is dropping globally. According to a recent survey, the percentage of respondents who indicated confidence in their nation’s judicial system dropped 50 percent between 1981 and 2008. Studies conducted in Central and Eastern Europe, the Former Soviet Union, Turkey, and Latin America confirm that this decline is occurring worldwide.
This data highlights a disturbing trend, as judicial reform is a critical component of a nation’s development strategy. The ability to provide impartial, transparent, and effective dispute resolution based on a clear legal framework is instrumental in establishing confidence in the rule of law, which not only provides citizens and residents with security, but also encourages business and entrepreneurs to invest capital and time, thereby stimulating growth and development.
In a study called, “Making Judicial Reform Work: A Unique Approach for Developing and Implementing Judicial Best Practices around the World,” Booz Allen Hamilton examined this diminished confidence in global judicial systems.
According to the study, failure to focus on the interactions between all components of a nation’s judicial system has resulted in disappointing judicial reform outcomes. Only a holistic, systems-based approach to reform can deliver the lasting change necessary.
“Making Judicial Reform Work” introduces a potential solution: Booz Allen’s Judicial Maturity Model—a proven framework that can thoroughly evaluate functionality of judicial system components and identify options for improvement.
Principal Ricardo Benn, Senior Associate Alexander Braier, Senior Associate Tertius Eksteen, and Senior Associate Michael Beaulieu comprise the Booz Allen team who contributed to the study.
study posted September 10, 2009
