An independent profession & judiciary are by no means a given in many parts of the world, says David Greene
The rule of law and the protected status of those who uphold it is, sadly, not a given thing, in 2019. The global political developments of the past few years seem to indicate that we are witnessing a widespread collapse in public confidence in institutions, politicians and experts. The latest Rule of Law Index shows that since 2016, a majority of the 113 countries, including mature democracies, saw their scores decline in the areas of human rights, checks on government powers, and civil and criminal justice.
The rule of law is fundamental to peace, security and political stability. It is fundamental in promoting economic and social progress, and in protecting the rights of the individual. It is the rule of law in the Bingham form that ensures access to public services, that curbs corruption, that prevents the abuse of power and that forms part of the social contract between the state and its citizens.
As lawyers, the
