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Judicial Independence Essay

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What is the relationship between Judicial Independence, Separation of powers and the Rule of Law?
Judicial independence with relation to the doctrine of the separation of powers and the rule of law form the foundation of any democracy. In this assignment I will be analysing the independence of the judiciary with relation to section 165 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 as well as the doctrine of the separation of powers and the rule of law.
Judicial independence is a state of keeping the judiciary away from other branches of government so that the judiciary can be impartial. Section 165 (2)-(4) of the Constitution states that:
‘The courts are independent and subject only to the Constitution and the law, which they must apply impartially and without fear, favour or prejudice. No person or organ of state may interfere with the functioning of the courts. Organs of state, through legislative and other measures, must assist and protect the courts to ensure the independence, impartiality, dignity, accessibility and effectiveness of the courts.’ …show more content…

Each branch of government will have appropriate checks and balances to ensure accountability, responsiveness and openness. Each branch of government has to work within the constitutional framework.
The need for the separation of powers is to ensure that not one of the branches of government hold too much power as this can lead to chaos and injustices. According to John Lock, he stated in his second treaties of Civil Government

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