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History

Judicial Independence and Its Vulnerability to Political Pressure

Quick fact

In the United States, federal judges serve 'during good behaviour,' meaning they can only be removed by impeachment—but even this protection has limits, as shown by President Roosevelt's failed court-packing plan and the recent expansion of Supreme Court seats in other countries.

Why this is interesting

Courts are supposed to be the neutral referees of power—but what happens when the referee is also on the field? Why do autocrats so often try to pack or intimidate the judiciary?