Voices of the Judiciary: Perspectives on Judicial Independence in Latin America
An Assessment of Judges’ Experiences
Judicial independence is one of the essential pillars of the rule of law and the protection of human rights. When judges face undue pressures, justice loses its ability to act as a check on abuses of power and as a guarantor of equality before the law.
At the same time, judicial integrity ensures impartiality, transparency, and accountability, and strengthens public trust in institutions. Both are vital for any robust democratic system.
Aware of growing risks for judicial autonomy, the Vance Center in 2025 launched a regional survey to capture firsthand insights into the experiences of judges across 15 jurisdictions in Latin America and the Caribbean. The questionnaire, distributed electronically with guaranteed anonymity, combined closed and open-ended questions to gather both quantitative data and qualitative narratives. More than 270 judges participated, providing diverse perspectives from across the judiciary and jurisdictions.
Results
The responses provide a troubling overview of issues including:
- External pressure and interference
- Material and operational conditions
- Disciplinary processes and control mechanisms
- Professional associations and cohesion
In response, the Vance Center proposes a set of recommendations for comprehensive and sustained action at all levels: regional, professional, and institutional.
Key measures include:
- Establishing clear rules on interbranch interaction
- Promoting integrity and transparency
- Strengthening budgets and technology
- Implementing merit-based promotion systems
- Establishing impartial disciplinary procedures, and
- Consolidating professional associations.
If implemented fully, these reforms can help shield the judiciary from undue pressures, guarantee dignified working conditions, and reinforce public trust in justice as a cornerstone of democratic governance.
The survey findings will guide the Vance Center’s ongoing pro bono technical assistance. It will also support the legal community’s efforts to adopt standards that strengthen, protect, and defend judicial independence and integrity in the region.
Learn more about our work on judicial independence
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to the regional and national associations of judges—including the leadership and member organizations of the Latin American Federation of Judges and the Central American Federation of Judges for Democracy—that supported this report with their active engagement and valuable contributions to the questionnaire.