Author: Bustos, Rafael

Abstract: Spanish society is concerned about our high jurisdictional courts Independence; a scenario in which eventual need to reform the appointment procedures of Judges and Magistrates arises. This paper analyzes in detail the appointment procedures of the Spanish Constitutional Court, Spanish Supreme Court as well as the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice. A study that will delve into parameters (ie. Gender, age, professional background, etc.) and the criteria (transparency, meritocracy / independence versus democracy / accountability, etc.) that allow a reasonable comparison of the appointment systems, as well as how to examine the benefits, drawbacks and challenges each system faces.  

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