Freedom of Expression of Judges: European and National Perspectives

This book addresses the impact of developments surrounding the freedom of expression of judges by building on the experience of judges themselves, legal practitioners and academics across Europe. Like everybody, judges enjoy freedom of expression. However, historically, there have been starker limitations to the free speech of judges compared to ordinary citizens, the rationale being to safeguard judicial independence, impartiality and public trust in the judiciary. Where exactly the boundary lies is a highly complex question. The recent developments in Europe have rekindled the dilemma of guaranteeing freedom of expression to judges. The rule of law crisis has led many judges to speak out against the attacks of autocratic governments targeting judges and courts. The rapid expansion of the digital world has opened up new channels of communication, and the growing role of courts in society has expanded the reach of courts to practically any social issue, even the most polarised. This work critically analyses the recent jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the EU and the European Court of Human Rights, its reception at the national level and the contribution of national judiciaries to the discussion pervading the European judicial space. It seeks to raise awareness that judicial speech is a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by complex legal and social considerations worth further exploration. The book will be of interest to academics, researchers, and policy-makers working in the areas of Human Rights Law, Constitutional Law and Politics, and Comparative Law.