Montreal Declaration
UNIVERSAL DECLARATION

ON THE INDEPENDENCE OF JUSTICE

Unanimously adopted at the final plenary session of the First World Conference on the Independence of Justice held at Montreal (Quebec, Canada) on June 10th, 1983.
 

Preamble
Whereas justice constitutes one of the essential pillars of liberty;
 

Whereas the free exercise of fundamental human rights as well as peace between nations can only be secured through respect for the rule of law;
 

Whereas States have long established courts and other institutions with a view to assuring that justice be duly administered in their respective territories;
 

Whereas the Charter of the United Nations has established the international Court of Justice as its principal judicial organ in order to promote the peaceful solution of disputes between States, in conformity with the principles of justice and international law;
 

Whereas the Statute of the International Court of Justice provides that the latter shall be composed of a body of independent judges, elected regardless of nationality, which as a whole shall be representative of the main forms of civilisation and of the principal legal systems of the world;
 

Whereas various Treaties have established other courts endowed with an international competence, which equally owe exclusive allegiance to the international legal order and benefit from representation of diverse legal systems;
 

Whereas the jusrisdiction vested in international courts shall be respected in order to facilitate the interpretation, application and progressive development of international law and the promotion of human rights;
 

Whereas national and international courts shall, within the sphere of their competence, cooperate in the achievement of the foregoing objectives;
 

Whereas all those institutions, national and international, must, within the scope of their competence, seek to promote the lofty objectives set out in the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Optional Protocol to the latter Covenant and other pertinent international instruments, objectives which embrace the independence of the administration of the justice;
 

Whereas such independence must be guaranteed to international judges, national judges, lawyers, jurors and assessors;
 

Whereas the foundations of the independence of justice and the conditions of its exercise may benefit from restatement;
 

The World Conference of the Independence of Justice recommends to the United Nations on the consideration of this Declaration.

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1. International Judges​
 

Definitions
LOl In this chapter:
a) "judges" means international judges and arbitrators;
b "court" means an international court or tribunal of universal, regional, community or specialized competence.
 

Independence
 

1.02 The international status of judges shall require and assure their individual and collective independence and their impartial and conscientious exercise of their functions in the common interest Accordingly; States shall respect the international character of the responsibilities of judges and shall not seek to influence them in the discharge of these responsibilities
 

1.03 Judges and courts shall be free in the performance of their duties to ensure that the Rule of Law is observed, and shall not admit influence from any government or any other authority external to their statutes and the interests of international justice.
 

1.04 When governing treaties give international courts the competence to determine their rules of procedure, such rules shall come into and remain in force upon adoption by the courts concerned.
 

1.05 Judges shall enjoy freedom of thought and, in the exercise of their duties, shall avoid being influenced by any considerations other than those of international justice.
 

1.06 The ethical standards required of national judges  Sun the exercise of the judicial functions shall apply to judges of international courts.
 

1.07 The principles of judicial independence embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international instruments for the protection of human rights shall apply to judges.
 

1.08 Judges shall promote the principle of the due process of law as being an integral part of the independence of justice.
 

1.09 N reseation shall be made or admitted to treaty provisions relating to the fundamental principles of independence of the judiciary.

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1.10 Neither the accession of a state to the statute of a court nor the creation of new international courts Shall affect the validity of these fundamental principles.
 

Appointment
 

1.11 Judges shall be nominated and appointed, or elected in accordance with governing constitutional and statutory provisions which shall, if possible, ​not confine the power of nomination​ to governments or make nomination dependent on nationality.
 

1.12 Only a jurist of recognized standing shall be appointed or elected to be a judge of an International court.
 

1.13 When the statute of a court provides that judges shall be appointed on the recommendation of a government, such appointment shall not be made in circumstances in which that government may subsequently exert any influence upon the judge.
 

Compensation
1.14 The. terms of compensation and pension of judges shall be established and maintained so as to ensure their independence. Those terms shall take into account the recognized limitations upon their professional pursuits both during and after their tenure of office. which are defined either by their statute or recognized and accepted in practice.
 

Immunities and Privileges
 

1.15 Judges shall enjoy privileges and immunities, facilities and prerogatives, no less than those conferred upon chiefs of diplomatic missions under and recognized by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Only the nowt concerned may lift these immunities.
 

1.16 Judges shall not be liable for acts done in their official capacity.
 

1.17 a) In view of the importance of secrecy of judicial deliberations to the integrity and independence of the judicial process, judges shall respect secrecy in, and in relation to their judicial deliberations;
b States and other external authorities shall respect and protect the secrecy and confidentiality of the courts' deliberations at all stages.
 

Discipline and Removal
 

1.18 All measures of discipline and removal relating to judges shall be governed exclusively by the statutes and rules of their courts, and be within their jurisdiction.
 

1.19 Judges shall not bc removed from office, except by u decision of the other members of the court and in accordance with its statute.
Judges Ad Roe and Arbitrators
 

1.20 Unless reference to the context necessarily makes it inapplicable or inappropriate, the foregoing articles shall apply to judges ad hoc and to arbitrators in public international arbitrations.

IL National Judges
Objectives and Functions
 

2.01 The objectives and functions of the judiciary shall include:
a) to administer the law impartially between citizen and citizen, and between citizen and state;
b) to promote, within the proper limits of the judicial function, the observance and the attainment of human rights;
c) to ensure that all peoples are able to live securely under the rule of law.
 

Independence
 

2.02 Judges individually shall be free, and it shall be their duty, to decide matters before them impartially, in accordance with their assessment of the facts and their understanding of the law without any restrictions, influences, inducements, pressures, threats or interferences, direct or indirect, from any quarter or for any reason.
 

2.03 In the decision-making process, judges shall be independent vis-a-vis their judicial colleagues and superiors. Any hierarchical organization of the judiciary and any difference in grade or rank shall in no way interfere with the right of the judge to pronounce his judgment freely.
 

2.04 The judiciary shall be independent of the Executive and Legislative.
 

2.05 The judiciary shall have jurisdiction, directly or by way or review, over all issues of a judicial nature. -
 

2.06

a) No ad hoc tribunals shall be established;
b) Everyone shall have the right to be tried expeditiously by the established ordinary courts or judicial tribunals under law, subject to review by the courts;
c) Some derogations may be admitted in times of grave public emergency which threatens the life of the nation but only under conditions pre rihed by law, and only to the extent strictly consistent with internationally rognied minimum standards and subject to review by the courts;
d) in such times of emergency
     I. Civilians charged with criminal offences of any kind shall be tried by ordinary civilian courts, expanded where necessary by additional  

     competent civilian judges;
    H. Detention of persons administratively without charge shall be subject to review by ordinary courts by way of habeas corpus or similar  

    procedures, so as to insure that the detention is lawful, as well as to inquire into any allegations of ill-treatment;
e) The jurisdiction of military tribunals shall he confined to military offences committed by military personnel. There shall always be right of app ei from such tribunals to a legally qualified anoellate court. ith the power shall be exercised so as to intcrfcrc ;ve judicial process.
b) The Executive shall not have control over judicial functions.
c) The Executive shall not have the power to close down or suspend the operation of the courts.
d) The Executive shall refrain from any act or omission which preempts the judicial resolution of a dispute or frustrates the proper execution of a court decision.
 

2.08 No legislation or executive decree shall attempt retroactively, to reverse specific court decisions, nor to change the composition of the court to affect its decision-making.
 

2.09 Judges may take collective action to protect their judicial independence.
 

2.10 Judges shall always conduct themselves in such a manner as to Preserve the dignity of their office and the impartiality and independence of the judiciary. Subject to this principle, judges shall be entitled to freedom of belief, expression, association and assembly.
 

Qualifications, Selections and Training
 

2.11 candidates for judicial office shall be individuals of integrity and ability, well
trained in the law. They shall have equality of access to judicial office.
 

2.12 In. the selection of judges, there shall be no discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or status, subject however to citizenship requirements.
 

2.13 The process and standards of judicial selection shall give due consideration to
ensuring a fair reflection by the judiciary of the society in all its aspects.
 

2.14

a) There is no single proper method of judicial selection provided it safeguards against judicial appointments for improper motives.
b) Participation in judicial appointments by the Executive or Legislature is consistent with judicial independence, so long as appointments of judges are made in consultation with members of the judiciary and the legal profession or by a body in which members of the judiciary and the legal profession participate.
 

2.15 Continuing education shall be available to judges.
 

Posting, Promotion and Transfer
 

2.16 The-assignment of a judge, to a post within the court to which he is appointed
is an internal adEninistrative function to be carried out by the judiciary.
(Explanatory Note: Unless assignments are made by the court, there is a danger of erosion of judicial independence by outside interference. It is vital that the court not make assignments as a result of any bias or prejudice or in response to external pressures. These comments are not intended to exclude the practice in some countries of requiring that assignments be approved by a Superior Council of the judiciary or similar body.)
 

2.17 Promotion of a judge shall be based on an objective assessment 01 the candidate's integrity and independence of judgment, professional competence, experience, humanity and commitment to uphold the rule of law. Article 2.14 shall apply to promotions.
 

2.18 Except pursuant to a system of regular rotation, judges shall not be transferred from one jurisdiction or function to another without their consent, but such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
[Explanatory Note: Unless this principle is accepted, transfer can be used to punish an independent and courageous judge, and to deter others from following his example. This principle is not intended to interfere with sound administrative practices enumerated in the law. Thus exceptions may be made, for example, where a judge in his early years is transferred from post to post to enrich his judicial experience.]
Tenure
 

2.19

a) The term of office of the judges, their independence, security, adequate remuneration and conditions of service shall be secured by law and shall not be altered to their detriment.
b) Judges, whether appointed or elected, shall have guaranteed tenure until a mandatory retirement age or expiry of their term of office, where such exists.
 

2.20 The appointment of temporary judges and the appointment of judges for probationary periods is inconsistent with judicial independence. Where such appointments exist, they shall be phased out gradually.
[Explanatory Note: This text Is not intended to exclude part-time judges. Where such practice exists, proper safeguards shall be laid down to ensure impartiality and avoid conflict of interests. Nor is this text intended to exclude probationary periods for judges after their initial appointment, in countries which have a career judiciary, such as in civil law countries.]
 

2.21

a) During their terms of office, judges shall receive salaries and after retirement, they shall receive pensions.
b) The salaries and pensions of judges shall be adequate, commensurate with the status, dignity and responsibility of their office, and be regularly adjusted to account fully for price increases.
c) Judicial salaries shall not be decreased during the judges' term of office, except as a coherent part of an overall public economic measure.
 

2.22 Retirement age shall not be altered for judges in office without their consent.
 

2.23 The executive authorities shall, at all times, ensure the security and physical protection of judges and their families.
Immunities and Privileges
 

2.24 Judges shall enjoy immunity from suit, or harassment, for acts and omissions in their official capacity.
 

2.25

a) Judges shall be bound by professional secrecy in relation to their deliberations, and to confidential information acquired in the course of their duties other tan in public proceedings.
b) Judges shall not be requried to testify on such matters.
 

Disqualifications
 

2.26 Judges may not serve in an executive or a legislative capacity unless it is clear that these functions are combined, without compromising judicial independence.
 

2.27 Judges may not serve as chairmen or members of committees of inquiry, except in cases where judicial skills are required.
 

2.28 Judges shall not be active members of, or hold positions in, political parties.
[Explanatory Note: This text is not intended to permit membership of judges in political parties in countries where under law or practice such is excluded, but to lay down standards limiting the scope of judicial involvement in countries where such membership is permissible.]
 

2.29 Judges may not practice law. [Explanatory Note: See note 2.20.]
 

2.30 Judges shall refrain from business activities, except as incidental to their personal investments or their ownership of property.
 

2.31 A judge shall not sit in a case where a reasonable apprehension of bias on his part may arise.
 

Discipline and Removal
 

2.32 A complaint against a judge shall be processed expeditiously and fairly under an appropriate practice, and the judge shall have the opportunity to comment on the complaint at the initial stage. The examination of the complaint at its initial stage shall be kept confidential, unless otherwise requested by the judge.
 

2.33

a) The proceedings for judicial removal or discipline, when such are initiated, shall be held before a court or a board predominantly composed of members of the judiciary and selected- by. the judiciary.
b) However, the power of removal may be vested in the Legislature by Impeachment or joint address, prèfèrably upon a recommendation of a court or board as referred to in 2.33(a).
(Explanatory Note: in countries where the legal profession plays an indispensable role in maintaining the rule of law and judicial independence, it is recommended that members of the legal profession participate in the selection of the members of the court or board, and be included as members thereof.
 

2.34 All disciplinary action shall be based upon established standards of judicial conduct.
 

2.35 The proceedings for discipline of judges shall ensure fairness to the judge and the opportunity of a full hearing. discipline and removal shall be held in camera. The judge may, however, request that the hearing be held in public, subject to a final and reasoned disposition of this request by the disciplinary Tribunal. Judgments in disciplinary proceedings, whether held in camera or in public, may be published.
 

2.37 With the exception of proceedings before the Legislature or in connection with them, the decision of a disciplinary Tribunal shall be subject to appeal to a court.
 

2.38 A judge shall not be subject to removal except on proved grounds of incapacity or misbehaviour, rendering him unfit to continue in office.
 

2.39 In the event that a court is abolished, judges serving in this court shall not be affected, except for their transfer to another court of the same status.
 

Court Administration
 

2.40 The main responsibility for court administration shall vest in the judiciary.
 

2.41 It shall be a priority of the highest order, for the state to provide adequate resources to allow for the due administration of justice, including physical facilities appropriate for the maintenance of judicial independence, dignity and efficiency, judicial and adminstrative personnel, and operating budgets.
 

2.42 The budget of the court shall be prepared by the competent authority in collaboration with the judiciary. The judiciary shall submit their estimate of the budget requirements to the appropriate authority.
 

2.43 The judiciary shall alone be responsible for assigning cases to individual judges or to sections of a court composed of several judges, in accordance with law or rules of court.
 

2.44 The head of the court may exercise supervisory powers over judges on administrative matters.
 

Miscellaneous
 

2.45 A judge shall ensure the fair conduct of the trial and inquire fully into any allegation made of a violation of the rights of a party or of a witness, including allegations of ill-treatment.
 

2.46 Judges shall accord respect to the members of the Bar.
 

2.47 The state shall ensure the due and proper execution of orders and judgments of the courts; but supervision over the execution of orders and judgments process shall be vested in the judiciary.
 

2.48 Judges shall keep themselves informed about international conventions and other instruments establishing human rights' norms, and shall seek to Implement them as far as feasible, within the limits set by their national constitutions and laws.
 

2.49 The provisions of Chapter II: National Judges, shall apply to all persons exercising judicial functions, including arbitrators and public prosecutors, unless reference to the context necessarily makes them inapplicable or inappropriate.

ilL Lawyers
Definitions
3.01 In this chapter:
a) "lawyer" means a person qualified and authorized to practice before the courts, and to advise and represent his clients in legal matters;
b) "Bar association" means the recognized professional association to which lawyers within a given jurisdiction belong.