Editor's note: In the September 1998 issue of CJEI Report we inaugurated a column entitled "In Your Opinion" in which we invite our readers to consider questions relevant to judicial education and topical issues of concern to jurists.

IN YOUR OPINION

Under the ethics and government act of 1978 American federally-appointed judges are required to file a financial disclosure statement on nomination to their position, annually and on leaving the judiciary. This is a requirement shared with senior members of the American judicial, legislative and executive branches of government.

The judges' statements are filed in the Financial Disclosure Office in Washington, D.C., which reports to the Judicial Council of the United States, a committee of judges chaired by the Chief Justice.

Pakistan also requires annual financial disclosure statements from members of its judiciary. These are filed with the Registrar of the Supreme Court and are not open to public scrutiny.

In your opinion:

  1. Is a financial disclosure statement an appropriate method of strengthening public trust in the judiciary?
  2. If so, should these statements be available to the general public?

Please let us know if your country also requires annual financial disclosure statements. Send us an e-mail: cjei@is.dal.ca

 

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