Judicial well-being is fundamental to the effective functioning of courts and the preservation of judicial independence and integrity. Yet, in many parts of the world, it has long remained a taboo subject, overlooked in institutional priorities and excluded from broader discussions on justice reform.
Systematic research plays a vital role in addressing this gap. It allows for a deeper understanding of the unique stressors, professional challenges, and psychological demands that judicial officers face. Evidence-based findings enable judiciaries to move beyond anecdotal or fragmented responses and instead adopt targeted, systemic interventions. When reform is grounded in data, judicial institutions are better positioned to promote resilience, safeguard impartiality, and enhance the quality of justice delivered.
The Nauru Declaration on Judicial Well-being affirms this approach, stating:
“Judicial leadership and judicial institutions must commit to promote judicial well-being. A systemic approach to judicial well-being must be holistic, involving activities that promote judicial well-being and capitalise on available sources of judicial job satisfaction. This approach should raise awareness of judicial well-being and judicial stress, prevent avoidable sources of judicial stress, and help manage the inherent demands of judicial work. Where possible, initiatives and interventions should be evidence-based and continuously assessed and evaluated. Judicial well-being is never ‘done’—it must always remain on the agenda.”
In this context, research is not only a diagnostic tool—it is a catalyst for sustainable, informed action. By embracing empirical inquiry, judiciaries can foster a culture that values and actively supports the well-being of those entrusted with upholding justice.
