Judicial Independence at the African subregional courts

Qualified and independent judges are essential for the legitimacy of theCourts. African regionalcourts willonlycontribute to the rule of law if thecourts are legitimately composed. The purpose of this article is toconsider whetherjudicialindependence atthe African regional and sub-regional courts has contributed t setting standards for the rule of law inAfrica. The focus will be on the African Court of Human and People'sRights as well as the courts ofthe most prominent subregionalcommunities. Because of the influence of the African Commission thecomposition of this body will also be considered