Justice Also Has to Be Accountable.

The separation of powers is one of democracy’s essential safeguards. Judges who are free from political pressure can apply the law and protect citizens’ rights, even when their decisions displease those in government. In Portugal, the independence of the courts is enshrined in the Constitution and, by and large, respected in practice.

But independence does not mean efficiency. One of the greatest problems facing our economy and society is the slowness of the justice system. It is not unusual for a case to drag on for years, with all the personal and economic costs that entails.

In May 2024, fifty prominent figures from different political and professional backgrounds voiced this concern in a manifesto calling for judicial reform. The signatories are notably diverse, both in their professions and in their political leanings. This matters because it shows that we are not dealing with one of those hot-button issues that pit right against left, or conservatives against progressives.

Read the full Expresso article.
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Luís Cabral is Paganelli-Bull Professor of Economics and International Business at NYU Stern.