The country’s political polarization has not spared the judiciary. Both sides frequently criticize judges for their alleged partiality.
The judiciary’s inefficiency, politicization, corruption and lack of security of tenure have worsened over the past two years and government action has further undermined its independence.
The changes introduced in a new organic law concerning the number of Supreme Court Judges and the terms of their removal have jeopardized the guarantees of judicial independence enshrined in the Constitution.
The vast majority of Venezuelan judges have been appointed on a ‘provisional’ basis and consequently lack security of tenure.
The independence and impartiality of the Attorney General’s Office has also been called into question by civil rights organizations.
Venezuela-Attacks on Justice 2005-Publication-2008 (full text, PDF)