The Desired Qualities of a Good Judge

Abstract

A judge is a pillar of our entire justice system and the public expects highest and irreproachable conduct from anyone performing a judicial function. Judges must endeavor for the utmost standards of integrity in both their professional and personal lives. They should be knowledgeable about the law, willing to undertake in-depth legal research, and able to write decisions that are clear, logical and cogent. Their judgment should be sound and they should be able to make informed decisions that will stand up to close scrutiny. Judges should be fair and open-minded devoid of any kind of political fervor. In this article we have explored the qualities that an ideal judge should embody. We have also discussed the impediments to achieving and exercising such qualities and discussed a number of ways of for judges to be manifested as good judge.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2014.v3n1p97