A comparative overview of recent trends in judicial appointments: selected cases from Africa

Abstract

Among all citizens, confidence in courts is weak, but African publics are nonetheless convinced of their legitimacy. Specifically:  Across 36 countries, a slim majority express confidence in the courts, but in 10 countries, 40% or fewer trust the courts. One in three respondents believe that "most" or "all" judges and magistrates engage in corruption.  Even so, 72% say courts have the right to make decisions that people always have to abide by.