1. Roles and Responsibilities of Judicial Self-Governance Institutions in Safeguarding Judicial Independence
LISBON, May 2018

2. A Modern and High Quality Justice System
Independence and impartiality
A fair application of law
Citizen's access to justice and efficient and expeditious courts

3. State's Powers in the Judiciary
Jurisdictional Function
Executive and Administrative Function
Legislative Function

4. The Judiciary and its Independence
Impartial and fair Justice for Citizens
Impartiality
Independence
The independence of the Judiciary lies in a group of principles of protective measures

5. Judicial Independence in the Portuguese Judiciary System
Judges shall only obey the Constitution and the Law
Judges shall not receive orders or instructions of any kind
Legally-binding principle of natural justice
Irremovibility of Judges
Judges are appointed for life
They can not be transferred, retired, suspended, dismissed or by any means changed on their position
Irresponsibility
Judges can not be held liable for they decisions
Consecration of an autonomous body: The High Council of the Judiciary

6. The High Council of the Judiciary
Main role: to assure the independence of courts and judges
The High Councils are not “the Justice” nor the “Judicial Power” – they only have administrative functions
Checks and Balances
about
Attitude
Values
Democratic Culture

7. Roles and Responsibilities of Judicial Self-Governance Institutions
Independence
Leadership
Responsibility
Independence lies on the impartiality when judging
Their limits are the principles of a democratic rule of law
Harmony between principles and values
Harmony between the principle of the division of powers and the principle of democratic legitimacy
Efficiency
Quality

8. Thank you so much for your attention