Deteriorating political and economic conditions are compounded by the decline of the rule of law in Zimbabwe.
Court orders are routinely ignored or defied by the ruling party, and a culture of official impunity has destabilised the legal system and perpetuated human rights abuses.
The state-controlled media operates in conjunction with the government to silence critics, including judges and lawyers who uphold the rule of law and human rights.
Judges have been attacked for carrying out their professional duties. Forced resignations and politically motivated appointments to the Bench have seriously compromised its independence. Lawyers who represent opponents of the ruling party or human rights defenders have been subjected to reprisals, including arbitrary arrest and detention and physical violence.
Zimbabwe-Attacks on Justice 2005-Publications-2008 (full text, PDF)