Why is judicial independence important?
Judicial independence provides continuity and stability in our legal system, guaranteeing that disputes can be resolved fairly and impartially. An independent judge does not fear for his or her job or good reputation when ruling against excessive governmental regulation, overzealous law enforcement, or discriminatory policies. Judges who fear that they can be punished for unpopular decisions are less likely to be neutral referees in the cases that come before them. The founders of the United States believed that judicial independence is a crucial element of a democratic society. This power frees judges from the political pressures that might prevent them from impartially enforcing the rights and principles guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Furthermore, without this principle, the system of checks and balances among the three branches of government cannot exist. America’s framers codified the concept of judicial independence into the Constitution by granting federal judges life tenur
