In the last fifty years, courts have emerged as key participants in the public policymaking process, exercising discretion to make decisions which have far-reaching consequences in terms of the distribution of benefits and burdens within society.
This programme provides a critical assessment of the role of courts in the public policymaking process, assessing their level of influence and scrutinizing the efficacy and legitimacy of their involvement.
The programme considers a range of issues within this context, including
the relationship between courts, legislatures, and executiveshow judicial policymaking fits within a democratic societywhat training and qualifications judges have for policy decisionshow suitable the judicial forum is for handling policy choices.
