Judicial

In the Renaissance fresco The Good and the Bad Judge (Monsaraz, Portugal), the Bad Judge, depicted as having two faces, is shown taking

bribes: the nobleman to the right offers him gold coins from a purse, and the villein to the left gives him a pair of partridges.

Judicial corruption refers to the corruption-related misconduct of judges, through the receiving or giving of bribes, the improper sentencing of convicted
criminals, bias in the hearing and judgment of arguments and other forms of misconduct. Judicial corruption can also be conducted by prosecutors and
defense attorneys. An example of prosecutorial misconduct, occurs when a politician or a crime boss bribes a prosecutor to open investigations and file
charges against an opposing politician or a rival crime boss, in order to hurt the competition.

Governmental corruption of the judiciary is broadly known in many transitional and developing countries because the budget is almost completely
controlled by the executive. The latter critically undermines the separation of powers, because it fosters financial dependence on the judiciary. The
proper distribution of a nation's wealth, including its government's spending on the judiciary, is subject to constitutional economics.

The judiciary may be corrupted by acts of the government, such as through budget planning and various privileges, and by private acts.Corruption in
judiciary may also involve the government using its judicial arm to oppress opposition parties. Judicial corruption is difficult to completely eradicate, even
in developed countries.