The Palestinian judiciary is largely underfunded, suffers from neglect and is subjected to frequent political attacks. State Security Courts remain the primary concern, with trials occurring at night and without appropriate safeguards for ensuring a fair trial.
The absence of a clear body of law, the failure of President Arafat to assent to laws regarding the judiciary and the lack of a Judicial Council to regulate appointments and promotions also hampers the development of an independent judiciary.
Attacks on Justice 2000 – Palestinian Autonomous Areas [full text, PDF]