Judicial Associations Across Europe: Balancing the Narrative

Abstract While in some countries judicial associations have long been objects of scholarly interest, the burgeoning debate over judicial independence in Europe and the growing interconnection between associations of different states have broadened the discussion beyond strictly domestic borders. The adoption of a specific opinion on judicial associations by the Consultative Council of European Judges on November 6, 2020 (No. 23/2020) is further evidence of the increasing transnational attention to the topic. To draft such an Opinion, questionnaires were submitted to Council of Europe (CoE) Member States. By analysing and classifying the replies of the CoE Member States, we first intend to offer a comprehensive assessment of the European experiences to highlight convergences and divergences. Secondly, we aim to juxtapose the representation of judicial associations as it emerges from the replies with the one debated in legal scholarship. To this end, we will try to understand the role of judicial associations in promoting and upholding judicial independence, with particular emphasis on the Italian Case.