Judicial independence refers to the principle that the judiciary should be free from interference by the legislative or executive branch of government. This allows judges to make decisions based on their interpretation of the law and facts of a case, without being influenced or pressured by outside forces. Judicial independence is considered essential for upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair and impartial justice. It is typically achieved through safeguards such as constitutional protections, appointment processes, financial autonomy, and judicial immunity. Research in this area often focuses on the importance of judicial independence, the factors that can threaten it, and ways to strengthen and protect it.