The Emotional Intelligence of Judges as a Fundamental Component for the Administration of Justice

Abstract

Emotional intelligence is vital for the proper development of the personality. In the case of judges, the behavior and process of the administration of justice are fundamental to the rule of law. However, little attention has been paid to the issue of the emotional conditions of judges, which directly or indirectly affect individuals and court administrative personnel. Several health institutions have demonstrated the connection between people’s mental and physical health, which not only implies the absence of disease, but also a healthy and suitable lifestyle to perform their work properly. In this specific case, this article aims to show how judges´ good or bad emotional health can affect the decisions made in their courts and the importance of their effects on the people who need to abide by such rulings. It is imperative to continue requesting that the judicial authorities have the necessary resources to ensure they can do their work properly and the judgments issued are not hampered by health factors. Finally, it should be mentioned that this article also analyzes judges’ behavior and thus raises awareness about the effects of mental and physical health, as it has an impact on the jurisdictional processes to which judges are party.