Legal Traditions
Nations diverge in the particulars of their formal criminal justice systems. Legal traditions shape procedure (i.e., investigation, trial, evidence, plea bargaining, appeals) along with the role of the judge, prosecutor, and defense counsel.…
Constitutional courts, also known as constitutional tribunals or constitutional councils, have exclusive jurisdiction over constitutional matters. This includes constitutional review of legislation, regulations, and government acts.
The rulings of constitutional courts…
The profiles on this page highlight different strategies nations have adopted to deliver justice, including how to select judges, structure judicial review, and meet the needs of diverse populations. There is much to be learned from the experience and innovation of judiciaries around the world.
Court administration, also referred to as judicial administration, encompasses the range of policies, procedures, and tasks essential to court operations. Its goal is to ensure the fair and efficient administration of justice. Judiciary leadership, judges, and court administrative personnel all…
Improving court administration is a common goal of judicial reform. Court administration experts have identified the essential components of court services and developed metrics for assessing efficiency and quality. ‘Court performance standards’ have become an important tool for deploying limited…
Courts employ many professionals to assist first-instance and appellate judges with the adjudication and administration of court proceedings.
Types of Court Personnel
This discussion divides court personnel into three categories: judicial officers, legal staff, and…
There is great diversity in the history, architectural style, size, and interior of courthouses around the world. Many nation's apex courts are hundreds of years old and grand. Others are more modest in stature but no less significant in their authority.
Apex Courts…
Courts play a central role in the administration of justice. Effective governance and court management are essential. Judiciaries have adopted different strategies for creating leadership structures, developing their budgets, staffing administrative positions, and ensuring public access to…
