Judicial independence and the separation of powers is a cornerstone of the democratic rule of law. While not so long ago this was taken for granted, at least in the Western world, this cornerstone has recently been increasingly called into question again. Especially in Europe, judicial independence and separation of powers – and thus democracy – have come under increasing pressure. 

The halfday event will provide an opportunity to get an overview of where and in what ways these cornerstones are being undermined and to discuss what can be done about it. 

The first part of the conference is reserved for a look at Europe: Renowned speakers active in international law will give an overview of the situation and report on what the organs of the EU and of the Council of Europe are doing or can do. 

In a second part, the presentations will be devoted to the situation in Switzerland de lege lata and de lege ferenda. The problem analysis by the former President of the Swiss Federal Supreme Court and the external point of view of a scholar on the Swiss judiciary will be followed by the presentation of two proposals for amending the Swiss constitutional law. 

Both parts will be deepened and concluded with panel discussions. 

A diverse and informative conference with a clear focus awaits you. Competent speakers present the legal situation, highlight selected problems, show possible solutions and are not afraid to ask critical questions about the status quo. 

The conference "Judicial Independence and Separation of Powers in Europe and Switzerland – Where do we stand?" is organised at the Basel Faculty of Law in cooperation with the Swiss Institute of the Judiciary and supported by the European Association of Judges. 

The conference is aimed at lawyers, politicians and others interested in the organisation of the democratic constitutional state, the separation of powers and the judiciary.