Includes bibliographical references (p. 175-191) and index.

What is judicial independence? -- Judges and politicians : theories about the origins of judicial independence -- What can a focused comparison of Russia and Ukraine tell us about the origins of independent courts -- The role of Ukrainian and Russian courts in the provision of free and fair elections : judicial independence from politicians during the 2002 RADA and the 2003 Duma campaign -- The role of Ukrainian and Russian courts in the provision of press freedom : judicial independence in defamation lawsuits, 1998-2003 -- Politicians' capacity to pressure the courts -- Politicians' willingness to pressure the courts, 1998-2004 and beyond.