The Russian Constitution says the judiciary is independent, which means that each judge can conduct trials independently. In fact, however, the Russian judiciary functions as a subsidiary of the executive branch. There is no independence whatever, and there is urgent need for reform.
Lawmakers in the Russian Federation are responsible for ensuring the independence of the judiciary, including the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and the People's Procuratorate. They are also responsible for protecting the rights of the Russian people and monitoring the judicial system and judge's entries into and exits from the system. See the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development
