The question of the lack of democratic legitimacy of judges. Appointment systems as a legitimacy mechanism
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15648/legem.2.2022.3499Keywords:
Counter-majoritarian criticism, majority democracy, constitutional democracy, the democratic legitimacy of judges, Judicial Council, judicial appointment systems, Dominican National Judicial CouncilAbstract
This essay addresses the main arguments of the counter-majoritarian criticism of the Judiciary in its work of interpreting the rules in its jurisdictional function, emphasizing the failure to apply or invalidate a law contrary to the Constitution. The basis of the criticism lies in the fact that some consider that judges lack democratic legitimacy to invalidate the laws emanating from the representatives of the people, who, being chosen through the vote, represent the genuine expression of self-government of the people. Given this, it is pointed out, in addition to other factors, that the criticism mentioned above is anchored in focus on procedural democracy, which ignores constitutional democracy, which encompasses, in addition to procedures, that decisions contribute to ensuring that all members of the community are treated with equal consideration and respect, due to their human condition. On the other hand, as the criticism above underlies the defense of the mechanism of appointment of judges, which guarantees a certain democratic legitimacy of origin; the dangers involved in the selection of judges through popular elections are pointed out, as well as the necessary reduction of political representatives in the selection bodies, to ensure greater independence to the Judiciary.
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