There is nothing more fundamental to human security and social stability than the rule of law. And there are very few things as frightening as a justice system that makes decisions out of financial self-interest or political expediency.
The courts are the ultimate deliverer of justice. When justice is hindered by corruption, citizens are denied the basic human right to a fair and impartial trial; sometimes even to a trial at all. There is no difference between civil and criminal cases – influencing or bribing court officials and judges for delays or favourable rulings makes a mockery out of justice.
Transparency International (TI), the leading global movement against corruption, has long focused on the need for transparency in the justice system. And this year’s Global Corruption Report 2007, TI’s flagship publication, tackles the theme of corruption in judicial systems, diagnosing key obstacles to a corruption-free judiciary and providing practical recommendations for all actors, including lawyers.
