# Part 06: Judicial Power
**Articles: 117-127**

## Core Idea
Judicial power is vested in judges and magistrates who administer justice in the name of the King. The judiciary is independent, impartial, and subject only to the rule of law.

## Frameworks Introduced
- **Judicial Independence**: Judges and magistrates are independent, impartial, and subject only to the Constitution and law
- **Judicial Unity**: There is a single judicial power, with the Supreme Court as highest body (except constitutional guarantees)

## Key Concepts
- **Judicial Independence** (Art. 117.1): Judges cannot be removed, suspended, transferred, or retired except for legal causes and with guarantees
- **Supreme Court**: Highest judicial body in all orders except constitutional guarantees (Art. 123.1)
- **General Council of the Judiciary**: Governing body of the judiciary, ensures independence (Art. 122)
- **Public Prosecutor's Office**: Promotes justice, defends legality and public interest (Art. 124)
- **Popular Jury**: Citizens may participate in administration of justice (Art. 125)
- **Military Justice**: Military courts only for military offenses in times of war (Art. 117.4-5)

## Mental Models
- Use **judicial independence as democratic safeguard** — protects citizens from executive/legislative overreach
- Think of **judiciary as constitutional referee** — interprets laws and resolves disputes

## Anti-patterns
- **Political interference**: Any pressure on judges violates independence
- **Special courts**: Creating courts outside ordinary judicial structure

## Key Takeaways
1. Judicial power is independent and separate from other branches
2. Judges are irremovable and subject only to law
3. Supreme Court is highest body except for constitutional matters
4. Military justice has very limited scope
5. Judicial self-government through General Council of the Judiciary

## Connects To
- **Part 09**: Constitutional Court handles constitutional questions
- **Part 00**: Rule of law principle requires independent judiciary