DGRU - Enhancing the Governance of the Judiciary
Last updated: 19/05/2011 //
The Mission of the Democratic Governance & Rights Unit (DGRU) is to advance the principles and practice of constitutional democracy in Africa in pursuit of socio-economic justice and sustainable development on the continent. DGRUs work is highly relevant for Norwegian foreign policy which promotes good governance and building of democracy in Africa.
Many issues crucial to the strength of South Africa's democracy are being litigated in court. The independence and competence of the judiciary is fundamental to the continued democratic development. The project adresses concerns related to the future strength of the Constitution and the rule of law in general, with special focus on jusicial ethics and appointment of judges. As a part of the project DGRU will cooperate with the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court to support the development of a platform where consensus can be built among judges on key issues of judicial governance in modern South Africa.
The objectives of the project are
- To conduct more ground-breaking research on candidates for judicial office so as to inform the debate and support the process, thus promoting the best possible appointment process;
- To generate discussion around the criteria for the 'ideal South African judge', in terms of ethical and professional standards, to help add greater public legitimacy to the judicial arm of government;
- To help drive a new standard for the process of appointment of judges by the Judicial Service Commission, so that the best candidates apply and are given a proper opportunity for appointment;
- To help support the finding of a consensus on the standards of ethics and integrity that we have the right to expect of our judges, both on and off the bench.