Project description

In the Netherlands, judges are subject to an hierarchical disciplinary system in which the court president plays a pivotal role. The minister of justice, however, has the power to exert (indirect) influence on the court president, who is not appointed for life in that capacity. This power includes the power to give instructions on 'personnel matters'. This project critically evaluates this disciplinary system and, specifically, whether it safeguards the independence of judges.

Relevant publications and works in progress:

• Soeharno, J.E. Disciplinary control of judges in the Netherlands. A vulnerable system. R. Devlin (ed.) [forthcoming].
• Soeharno, J.E., Het tuchtrecht voor rechters: een kwetsbaar stelsel. Tijdschrift Tuchtrecht, 2019/2 p. 6-16.