The Judiciary, Values and Good Governance: A Philosophical Perspective

Abstract

This paper seeks to examine the values and tenets that the judiciary must uphold towards the dispensation of justice and enthronement of good governance in the society. Where disputes arise and the parties are ineligible to settle it between themselves, resorting to court of competent jurisdiction for redress becomes the necessary condition. The judiciary, in this context becomes the last hope of the common man, the only corridor that leads to justice for the common person. The function of judiciary here is not just to fabricate facts or twist the truth, but to enthrone prime value system, interpreting the law to ensure that justice is served in due time. Good governance on the other hand is linked to effective participation in public policy making, promoting, human rights, ensuring independence of judiciary and the enthronement of rule of law. Using the analytic method, this paper philosophically explores the thesis that administration of justice in a transparent and efficient process is a panacea to good governance and value system.