“While manifestations of corruption seem to be most common in developing countries, judicial corruption remains a global problem.
Research by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) suggests that causes of judicial corruption include low remuneration and far-reaching discretionary powers, twinned with weak monitoring of how those powers are executed.
In these environments, where the accused individuals sit at the highest echelons of the system, whistleblowing is especially unlikely.
The research also found that a lack of comprehensive and regularly updated computer systems is one of the main causes of such crimes.
The IBA’s role is important in that it can, and must, set an example to its members which promotes the highest standard of judicial integrity.
Alongside its Judicial Integrity Initiative, an additional objective of the IBA is maintaining the bar and the courts’ independence from the government.
If corruption compromises judges, who are among our most important protectors of the rule of law, rule of law throughout society is put at risk,”
David Rivkin
International Bar Association (IBA) President
IBA conference in Vienna, Austria.
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