The Supreme Court as a Constitutional Watchdog

Abstract

Democracies seek to insulate judges from external pressures, whether political, monetary or otherwise. Unlike other state institutions, judges are not accountable either to the electorate or to other institutions. They do not have to stand for elections, nor are they answerable to anyone for their judicial decisions. This insulation is designed to ensure that they remain free and fearless in delivering their judgements in accordance with the law.