Judicial constraints on the executive index

In brief

Judicial constraints on the executive index: across 173 countries and territories, values range from 0 (North Korea) to 0.99 (Australia), with a world median of 0.69. Data: 2025. The top 10% of countries exceed 0.95, while the bottom 10% stay below 0.09. By continent, the median is highest in Oceania (0.89) and lowest in Africa (0.27).

Median by continent

Why this indicator matters

An independent judiciary can limit the executive and have the law respected, including by leaders. This index makes it possible to compare the weight of courts against political power.

What makes this indicator vary

Control over the executive depends on the Constitution, how judges are appointed, their protection from pressure and the country's political tradition. Judicial reforms can strengthen or weaken it.

Reading precautions

The index is based on expert assessments, so on judgment and not on a precise count. It sums up several aspects in a single figure. Small differences between countries should be read with caution.