Attacks on Justice 2005: Australia

Jul 11, 2008

As a consequence of the constitutional protection of separation of powers at both federal and state level, judges and lawyers in Australia enjoy a high degree of independence.

However, the integrity of the system is undermined by legislation that limits the exercise of judicial discretion and limits judicial review of administrative decisions. Independence may also be compromised by the absence of appropriate guarantees regarding salary and tenure for state and territory judges, and for tribunal members who effectively exercise judicial power.

Australians do not enjoy complete access to justice due to deficiencies in legal aid funding and the refusal of the courts to acknowledge fully the right to legal representation at public expense in criminal proceedings. In addition, new counter-terrorism legislation abrogates internationally recognized due process rights.

Australia-Attacks on Justice 2005-Publications-2008 (full text, PDF)

Attacks on Justice 2005: Myanmar

Jul 11, 2008

The suspension of the Constitution has rendered the separation of powers ineffective, and left civil society with no legitimate means of challenging executive power.

Attacks on Justice 2005: China

Jul 11, 2008

Although the independence of the judiciary is constitutionally enshrined in China, the government and the Chinese Communist Party continue to interfere in the judicial process, directing judgments in many instances.