What does judicial independence ensure in the context of governing bodies?

Judicial independence is a fundamental principle that ensures judges can perform their duties free from any external pressures or influences, particularly from the government and other branches of power. This independence is crucial for maintaining the rule of law and upholding the integrity of the judicial system.

When judges act independently without interference, they can make decisions based solely on the law and the facts of the case before them. This protects the impartiality of the judiciary and helps to ensure fairness in legal proceedings. As a result, citizens can have confidence that their rights will be protected, and that justice will be delivered based on legal principles rather than political considerations or personal biases.

In contrast, the other options suggest scenarios where judges may be influenced by or required to consult with other branches of government, which would undermine their independence and could lead to conflicts of interest. Therefore, the correct understanding of judicial independence is that judges must operate without interference to uphold the justice system effectively.