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Spain's Top Judge Defends Judicial Independence Following Government Criticism

Isabel Perelló used an award ceremony to urge respectful, reasoned scrutiny of rulings and to call for public trust in the courts.

Overview

  • Supreme Court and CGPJ president Isabel Perelló said independent judges are indispensable to the rule of law and representative democracy.
  • Her remarks followed government attacks on the Supreme Court over the conviction of former attorney general Álvaro García Ortiz.
  • The court’s Second Chamber sentenced García Ortiz to two years of disqualification for revealing secrets, according to the coverage.
  • Perelló asked that disagreements with judicial decisions be expressed with respect so judges can work with calm, independence and serenity.
  • She cited arguments from Timothy Garton Ash on checks and balances and echoed Miquel Roca’s defense of institutional loyalty and constructive disagreement.