Influences Affecting Judicial Decision-Making

The independence of the judiciary is a central principle of a democracy. Judicial independence permits judges to make rulings based on legal principles instead of politics or public opinion. An independent court system allows fair and impartial decisions in legal cases. Political scientists have conducted research and studies to identify what factors influence a judge's decision-making.

Overview of Administrative Law

Administrative law is the body of law that is created by the rules, regulations, and decisions of federal, state, and municipal administrative agencies.

Hung Juries

The United States Constitution guarantees all criminal defendants a right to a trial by a jury of their peers. A criminal jury consists of 12 people. There is also a constitutional right to a jury trial in certain types of civil cases. The jury in a civil case usually contains 6 to 12 people. If the jurors cannot agree on a verdict, the jury is said to be a "hung jury" or a "deadlocked jury." If a jury deadlocks, the result is a mistrial.

A Court's Inherent Powers

Courts are created by statute. Their jurisdiction or authority is limited to the areas specified by the law, together with the inherent powers possessed by all courts. Inherent powers are powers reasonably necessary for the administration of justice. They are powers considered essential to the existence and proper functioning of the court. This article discusses a court's inherent power to regulate the judicial system, to regulate the practice of law, and to adopt court rules.

Judicial Ethics

One of the cornerstones of our American judicial system is the impartial administration of justice. It is crucial that a judge act fairly and impartially, avoiding any appearance of impropriety. Every state has adopted a code of judicial conduct that sets ethical guidelines for judges. All states also have judicial conduct commissions with the power to investigate, prosecute, and decide cases of judicial misconduct. There is also a code of conduct for federal judges.