Brazil Convicts Bolsonaro Plotting Coup, Sparks Protests, Lowers Judicial Confidence

Judicial systems worldwide are facing significant crises characterized by corruption, political interference, and loss of public trust. In the UK, prisons are overcrowded and under-resourced, leading to corruption and violence, while courts are overwhelmed and ineffective, reflecting a broader crisis in justice. Bulgaria’s Supreme Court of Cassation has been criticized for pursuing a political agenda that deepens judicial instability, ignoring attacks on judges and contributing to erosion of trust in the judiciary. Australia exemplifies a dangerous constitutional precedent where Parliament effectively overrides High Court decisions by passing similar legislation, undermining judicial independence and democratic governance. Globally, independent courts are increasingly caught in political polarization, as seen in cases like Brazil’s ex-president Bolsonaro’s conviction and ongoing political turmoil, illustrating how judicial rulings can both stabilize and destabilize societies depending on context. These challenges underscore the fragility of judicial systems and the urgent need for reforms to restore fairness, impartiality, and public confidence.