Judicial independence is an essential value for the Rule of Law, and in particular for ensuring citizens’ rights before the exercise of public power. The rising of illiberal and populist regimes in Europe poses a fundamental threat to judicial independence, but the challenges are multiple. In the present global context, the study of judicial independence cannot be developed from a purely national standpoint.

IN-COURT approaches judicial independence from an international perspective. What is the role of international and supranational organizations and tribunals for the protection of judicial independence at the domestic level? To what extent are those international courts independent?

Accordingly, the contents of this webpage are organized in two broad categories: the independence of international courts and the role of international organizations in protecting judicial independence, with special attention to the European Union, the Council of Europe, and the Inter-American System of Human Rights.

IN-COURT is aimed at promoting research on judicial independence from an international perspective and establish a forum for collaboration and knowledge exchange between the academic community and legal operators.

This project emerges from the ICREA Acadèmia of Professor Aida Torres Pérez, and gather professors and researchers from the Grupo de investigación de derecho constitucional y europeo of the Pompeu Fabra University, as well as external collaborators.

Also, several IN-COURT researchers collaborate with the Center for Judicial Cooperation of the European University Institute within the framework of the Project Trust, Independence, Impartiality and Accountability of Judges and Arbitrators Safeguarding the Rule of Law under the EU Charter (TRIIAL), funded by the Europeab Commission.