Given the shortcomings of many Arab justice systems, Hikama chose to address the topic of judicial independence. These include a lack of understanding of the interconnectedness of justice institutions and their shortcomings judicial performance, on the one hand, and the effectiveness of governance, on the other. The question of independence raises a number of sub-questions, the most important of which relate to the status of the judiciary within the constitutional and legislative framework, its organization and the impact of this on its independence, the culture of judicial work, and the professional development of judges. The governance and hierarchy of relationships within the judicial system, as well as the relationship between the judiciary and the executive and legislative institutions, are also significant. The special issue contains one comparative paper, two studies on Morocco and Jordan, and one policy paper about Iraq. They are presented from various viewpoints, providing a new perspective on the topic.