What is the optimal model for the internal structure of the judicial council?

The author considers the advantages and drawbacks of judicial councils in contemporary states, especially of their internal structure. Despite significant criticism expressed by certain legal scholars in academia, the author is of the opinion that the council can be perceived as an important factor in securing, on the one hand, the judicial independence, and the accountability, on the other. The author argues that a mixed composition may be an advantage for this type of body as the council becomes a platform for the dialogue with representatives of political powers, different legal jobs as well as lay members. Simultaneously, the author expresses the conviction that it does not mean that the most desirable model for the council is one in which representatives of the legislative or the executive would have the same number of members as judges. This might create a wrong impression that greater involvement by such members strengthens the legitimacy of the judiciary.