Global Corruption Report 2007: Corruption in Judicial Systems (Transparency International Global Corruption Reports) [Paperback]

Transparency International (Compiler)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521700701 | ISBN-13: 978-0521700702 | Publication Date: July 30, 2007 | Edition: 1

The Global Corruption Report 2007 looks at how, why and where corruption mars judicial processes, and to reflect on remedies for corruption-tainted systems. The book focuses on judges and courts but situates them within the broader justice system - police, prosecutors, lawyers and agencies responsible for enforcing judicial decisions. It also looks at the social context of the judiciary and shows how societal expectations, the existence of non-state justice mechanisms and the strength of informal networks that circumvent the justice system, all have a bearing on judicial corruption. The book takes a close look at the two main judicial corruption problems: political interference and petty bribery by court personnel. The 37 country case studies and a series of concrete recommendations for judges, political powers, businesses, lawyers, prosecutors, academics, NGOs and donors are supplemented by 15 empirical studies of corruption in various sectors, including the justice sector.

Editorial Reviews

Review

' ... essential reading for anyone concerned with development and governance. The human rights community in particular will benefit from this year's volume on judicial corruption.'
-Mary Robinson, Founder and president of Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and former president of Ireland

'All corruption is destructive, but never more so than when judges are corrupt. Transparency International does a great service by shining a spotlight on judicial corruption and by providing the information and the analysis needed to address this critical issue.'
-Aryeh Neier, President, Open Society Institute

'Transparency International explodes a number of convenient myths about corruption in the judiciary and how it might be lessened. Independence and accountability are shown to be two sides of the same coin, the unproductive question as to the superiority of common or civil law systems is summarily dismissed, and the often tacit assumption that reformers should look westward for models comes under sharp scrutiny. Ultimately, as Susan Rose-Ackerman writes, no institutional design or legal reform is foolproof in face of the "fundamental paradox" that, no matter how independent the judiciary, corruption is always possible absent a judicial culture of honesty and integrity.'
-Stephen Humphreys, Research Director, International Council on Human Rights Policy

' ... shines a welcome spotlight on the problem, and is teeming with practical recommendations on how to combat it in all its manifestations.'
-Gareth Evans, President, International Crisis Group (Foreign Minister of Australia 1988-96)

'I found the material to be well informed and presented in an academic, organized and interesting manner. It is refreshing to read discussions concerning the often emotionally charged topic of corruption presented with light rather than heat.'
-Charles A. Caruso, Director, Criminal Justice Reform, Ecuador, Latin American and Caribbean Law Initiative Council, American Bar Association

'A corrupt judiciary means the death of democracy of respect for the rule of law. This TI study explains why.'
-John Brademas, President Emeritus, New York University, former Member, U.S. House of Representatives member, U.S. and International Advisory Councils, Transparency International

'With its thorough analysis of the implications of judicial corruption, this year's Global Corruption Report allows readers to understand what scars graft leaves on our societies.'
-Michela Wrong , author of In the Footsteps of Mr. Kurt

'Public conscience the world over welcomes Transparency International's timely and thematic inquisition on corruption in the judiciary. It is this menace that erodes the fabric of the proper administration of justice and which, as consequence, violates the right of individuals to a fair hearing by an independent, impartial, and competent judiciary.'
-Chaloka Beyani, London School of Economics

'It is an exceedingly outspoken and objectively presented assessment which will, one hopes, preach not only to the choir, but also to decision-makers who are in a position to implement its pay now or pay later strategies."
-American Society of International Law

Book Description

Judicial corruption blocks access to justice, hampers economic development, erodes human rights and undermines trust in the institutions of justice. This important book brings together scholars, judges and civil society activists from around the world to examine how, why and where corruption mars judicial processes.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (July 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521700701
• ISBN-13: 978-0521700702
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,205,796 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)