The year was marked by developments that could constitute a fundamental change in the judicial system. The diverse role of the Lord Chancellor came increasingly into question and accepted judicial appointment procedures were challenged.
A new Constitution, elaborated and approved by the President of the Republic, is still pending for approval in a popular referendum. Only some parts of the new Constitution were made public.
The Portuguese judiciary was declared to be in a state of emergency due to the large backlog and the inability on the part of prosecutors and judges to speed up trials before the procedural terms elapsed.
Judges and prosecutors continued to play a key role in the full restoration of powers to the judiciary, including the power to investigate and try past human rights violations, but the judiciary, especially in the provinces, continued to be subject to political influence.
The main problems affecting the judiciary are related to excessive delays in the commencement of trials, the extensive practice of pre-trial detention, political manipulation and corruption
HRC61: Oral statement of The ICJ in the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
ICJ Convenes Global Forum to Strengthen Non-Criminal Justice Pathways for Redress
Thailand: Draft Domestic Violence Act should be revised in line with international standards
HRC61: ICJ Statement on attacks against the rule of law and independent legal professionals — highlighting situations in Afghanistan and Guatemala