Question

Why is judicial independence so important under our system of government?

Answer 1

The founders of our nation wanted to ensure the courts were free from political pressure, pushing them to rule in a certain way. For example, they ensured judges did not have to fear for their job or pay, which could be used to threaten them. They wanted to be sure judges ruled on the basis of the Constitution and the law, even if that went against the opinion of current leaders.

Answer 2

It is important because if the judges are sided with a party or with a faction then they could make decisions that support the party or the people in charge and not make unbiased decisions on law related things. For example, if the president who sets them was from a party and they were supporters of that party, then they could make choices that the president wants and not what they think is right, which would make the judicial branch then just a hand of the executive branch.