The WJP Anthony Lewis Prize for Exceptional Rule of Law Journalism acknowledges journalists from around the world who have contributed to increased awareness and understanding of the foundational importance of the rule of law.
Journalists Pavla Holcová, Arpád Soltész, and Eva Kubániová have been awarded the 2020 WJP Anthony Lewis Prize for Exceptional Rule of Law Journalism. The trio were awarded the prize for their reporting on the murder of their friend and colleague, journalist Ján Kuciak, and his fiancée, Martina Kušnírová. The investigation, as detailed by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) revealed a system of rampant corruption in Slovakia. Read the press release.
The Lewis Prize recognizes and celebrates outstanding reporting on rule of law issues such as:
- Human/civil rights
- Access to justice
- Open government
- Corruption
- Criminal justice
- Government accountability
- Independent judiciary
- Other rule of law issues
Criteria
- The prize will be awarded to a currently working journalist (or a team of journalists working on an in-depth series) who has demonstrated excellence in rule of law reporting.
- The journalist’s work (as demonstrated through key examples of their writing) will be judged on how effectively they have contributed to increased awareness and understanding of the foundational importance of the rule of law.
- Nominees can be from any country in the world, but entries must be in English or have been translated into English.
- Anyone can nominate a journalist, including self-nominations/applications.
Nominations and Applications - Closed
Nominations and applications are now closed for the WJP Anthony Lewis Prize for Exceptional Rule of Law Journalism.
Why Recognize Reporting on the Rule of Law?
Effective rule of law reduces corruption, combats poverty and disease, and protects people from injustices large and small. It is the foundation for communities of justice, opportunity, and peace—underpinning development, accountable government, and respect for fundamental rights.
Traditionally, the rule of law has been viewed as the domain of lawyers and judges. But everyday issues of safety, rights, justice, and governance affect us all; everyone is a stakeholder in the rule of law. Vigorous reporting and a free, open press play a unique and important role in maintaining and upholding the rule of law throughout the world. (Read more about the rule of law.)
About Anthony Lewis
Anthony Lewis (1927-2013), a friend and inspiration to the World Justice Project, was a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist credited with transforming legal journalism in the United States. Lewis covered the Supreme Court, the Justice Department, and legal affairs for The New York Times in addition to serving as a columnist as well as the paper’s London bureau chief. He is the author of five books, including Gideon’s Trumpet, which describes James Earl Gideon’s landmark U.S. Supreme Court case concerning the right to legal counsel. Lewis’ reporting on the establishment of the Constitutional Court in post-apartheid South Africa helped inspire the creation of the World Justice Project. He was also an active participant at WJP's first regional meeting in 2007.
Former Winners
