Epilogue

Abstract

Starting from the author’s own experience, this chapter discusses identity and legitimacy with reference to international judges from minority groups, asking whether the composition of international benches adequately reflects the essential components of diversity. Could international courts be said to engender feelings of inclusion in specific minority individuals, groups, or States? Does the make-up of the international bench ultimately reinforce or undermine the legitimacy of the courts themselves? The chapter views identity issues specifically through the lens of gender, ethnicity (including race), geography, and judicial culture as tools to validate and strengthen the judicial process, as well as a way of verifying the legitimacy of international courts as institutions capable of providing world class justice with optimal global reach. Diversity and meritocracy are not mutually exclusive: more diverse international benches need not result in any dilution of the quality of the judgments rendered. Concerted and intensified efforts have to be made to ensure that more members of minority groups are appointed as international judges, including steps to ensure that they are not marginalized or excluded from the selection process.