Court Review: Volume 41, Issue 2 - The Tyranny of the “Or” Is the Threat to Judicial Independence, Not Problem-Solving Courts

Authors

Kevin S. Burke, Hennepin County District Court in Minneapolis

Date of this Version

July 2004

Comments

Published in Court Review: The Journal of the American Judges Association, 41:2 (2004), pp. 32-36. Copyright © 2004 National Center for State Courts. Used by permission. Online at http://aja.ncsc.dni.us/htdocs/publications.htm.

Abstract

If one values freedom, tolerance, and civil liberties, we live at a time when our planet is a dangerous place. Even if one accepts the notion that mankind is composed of decent and good human beings, not all societies place a premium on the values of freedom, tolerance, and civil liberties for all. While there are many factors that promote justice, judicial independence is the cornerstone to freedom and liberty. Now more than at other times in history, a strong, effective, and independent judiciary is imperative. Now more than ever, judges need to realize that maintaining an impartial independent judiciary is their responsibility.