Although the PLC passed a Basic Law in 1997, the government has not approved it. Such a law would outline the separation between legislative and executive authority, and presumably curtail Arafat's authority. The PNA judiciary, consisting of criminal, civil, and state security courts, is not independent. Attorney General Fayez Abu Rahma resigned in April because of what he called continuous intervention by the minister of justice and the security services in judicial matters. The post remained unfilled at year's end.
Palestinian judges lack proper training and experience.
Israeli demands for a Palestinian crackdown on terrorism have given rise to state security courts, which lack almost all due process rights. Suspected Islamic militants are rounded up en masse and often held without charge or trial. Trials are conducted in secret and sentences are often issued only hours after arrest. Human Rights Watch reported that judges who complained about judicial abuses faced retaliation. Of 23 death sentences issued since 1994, only two have been carried out.