For an Honest Judiciary that Upholds Justice
In any state that seeks to build a sound and just society, the judiciary is considered a fundamental pillar for guaranteeing rights, protecting individuals, and achieving justice. When this institution becomes corrupted, citizens’ trust in institutions is shaken, justice disappears, and a sense of injustice prevails.
What is Judicial Corruption?
Judicial corruption involves using judicial authority to achieve personal, political, or financial interests, whether through bribery, abuse of influence, or issuing biased rulings.
It is one of the most dangerous types of corruption because it affects the core of justice, threatens the credibility of the law, and undermines people’s trust in the state.
Legal Framework: The Judicial Authority Law in Syria
The work of the judiciary in Syria is regulated under Judicial Authority Law No. 98 of 1961, which stipulates:
- Independence of the judicial authority from the executive and legislative branches
- Establishment of the Supreme Judicial Council to oversee appointment, transfer, and accountability,
- Granting judges judicial immunity, while subjecting them to disciplinary accountability.
However, in practice, this law has faced extensive criticism due to:
- The Supreme Judicial Council’s subordination to the Minister of Justice, which weakens judicial independence.
- Weak internal accountability mechanisms and lack of transparency in appointment and promotion.
- Absence of effective implementation of the principles of separation of powers and independence of judicial decisions.
Therefore, amending this law and implementing it fairly has become a fundamental requirement for genuine judicial reform in Syria.
How Do We Enhance Judicial Integrity?
- Reform the Judicial Authority Law and modify the subordination of the Supreme Judicial Council to make it completely independent.
- Enhance transparency and oversight mechanisms for judges’ performance, and publicly announce the results of disciplinary investigations.
- Enable the media and civil society organizations to report and monitor.
- Educate society legally to know their rights and defend them.
- Pursue corruption seriously without discrimination or protection for any party.
In Conclusion:
An honest judiciary is not a luxury, but rather society’s safety valve, and without it, justice cannot be achieved and the law cannot live.
Judicial reform in Syria begins with genuine will for independence, activating accountability, and placing the citizen’s interest above any other consideration.
No justice without integrity, and no homeland without an honest judiciary.
