Judicial education provides the judiciary with the means to consolidate its
independence. This is of paramount concern where the judiciary is constitutionally
responsible to dispense justice by interpreting and applying the law of the land to any
matters in dispute which are brought before the Courts. Central to this role of
dispensing justice is the need for fairness: that the law is being applied fairly and
evenly to both parties in any dispute. Not only must the courts be fair; but they must
also appear to be fair in order to establish credibility and secure the confidence of the
community in its integrity. Credibility rests on visible independence: independence
from any vested interest whatsoever – whether that be governmental, commercial or
personal. With judicial independence comes the need for accountability and
transparency on the part of the judiciary. Judicial education and training provides the
means for the judiciary as an institution to consolidate develop and perform this crucial,
yet fragile, role in society.