FORUM: “Judicial well-being matters for the quality of justice and public trust.” International Day for Judicial Well-being 2025. Over the past decade, a growing global conversation has emerged around these concerns, driven by ground-breaking research and proactive judicial leadership. Empirical research conducted across various jurisdictions, vividly underscores the magnitude of judicial stress. The 2019 National Judicial Stress and Resiliency Survey, conducted in the United States among 1,034 judges, paints a sobering picture. Using a custom-built Sources of Stress Scale, the study identified that nearly 80% of judges experience stress from the gravity of their decisions, followed closely by heavy caseloads (73.2%), unprepared attorneys (67.6%), and self-represented litigants (62.5%)—all of which highlight the systemic pressures inherent in judicial work. Problematic alcohol use among judges, while not widespread, remains a notable concern too. The same Survey found that 9.5% of judicial respondents fell into higher-risk categories on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), with 0.5% at possible dependence. Though most judges reported moderate or low-risk alcohol use, a small group disclosed patterns of binge drinking and associated functional impairments, such as memory blackouts, guilt, or failing to meet responsibilities. Evidence-based research consistently shows that the isolation inherent in the judicial role is a universal factor that undermines judicial well-being. This isolation can significantly affect mental health, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression, which in turn can impair judicial performance and decision-making. Both physical and emotional isolation continue to present serious barriers to judicial well-being, underscoring the need for targeted strategies to break this harmful cycle. Join us to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by judicial officers and to emphasize the need for a supportive and inclusive judicial culture. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #25July, #JudicialLeader, #JudicialWellbeing, #judicialstress, #mentalhealth, #secondarytrauma.
EVENTS: On July 25th, an event will be held to mark the International Day for Judicial Well-being 2025. The event brings together judicial leaders and policymakers to develop concrete tools and strategies for integrating well-being into court systems worldwide. The United Nations General Assembly encourages member states, UN agencies, judicial institutions, and other stakeholders to observe the day through various activities, including public awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and wellness programs. Register to participate!
ACTIONS: Prioritize Judicial Well-being, Empower Judges, Enhance the Quality of Justice.
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