Judicial accountability and independence: their relationship with economic growth and effects of judicial corruption on the economy

By, MSc. Kevin S. MYRTO

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine the responsibilities and independence of the judicial system, referring to the Albanian judicial system, its connection to corruption, and the consequences it has on the economy. Albania transitioned with difficulty from a totalitarian system to a democratic one, striving to leave behind a dark past where fundamental human rights were denied. The reform of the justice system and the cleansing of these institutions from corrupt officials, based on new legal initiatives, are expected to bring long-awaited results. Moreover, the international factor, led by the European Union and the United States, has played a key role in advancing justice reform as a non-negotiable condition for Albania’s accession to the larger European family. The negative role played by corruption in the Albanian economy cannot be denied, causing significant damage to strategic sectors with a direct impact on the country’s stability and internal security. As a result of the transition from a centralized economy to a free market economy, the Albanian economy quickly faced high levels of corruption, tax evasion, and informality, suffering significant setbacks that left Albania in the state of a developing economy. The methodology used in this paper is based on the interpretation of the theoretical framework and the analysis of different authors’ approaches and perspectives, as well as various studies.