The World Justice Project’s $10,000 Anthony Lewis Prize Will Recognize Journalists Who Stand Up for the Rule of Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

WASHINGTON (January 15, 2025) - The World Justice Project today launched the 2025 Anthony Lewis Prize for Exceptional Rule of Law Journalism. 

The $10,000 prize recognizes journalistic courage and craft that strengthens accountability, advances adherence to rule of law principles, and builds awareness of the foundational importance of the rule of law. 

Named for Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times legal reporter Anthony Lewis, a friend and inspiration to the World Justice Project, the Lewis Prize celebrates outstanding reporting on rule of law issues, such as: government accountability, human and civil rights, access to justice, open government, corruption, criminal justice, and judicial independence. 

“Amidst a global rule of law recession and the continued rise of authoritarianism, the role of journalists in promoting transparency and accountability is more important than ever,” said Alejandro Ponce, WJP’s chief research officer and incoming executive director.  

“Yet journalism itself faces intense pressures around the world,” he added. “The 2025 Anthony Lewis Prize will celebrate journalists’ courageous and irreplaceable contributions to defending the rule of law.” 

Submissions Due by March 2, 2025 

Anyone can nominate a journalist (or team of journalists) who has demonstrated excellence in rule of law reporting, and self-nominations are welcome. The contest is open to journalists anywhere in the world, but all submissions should be translated into English, if necessary.  

Judges include Simon Long of The Economist, Larry Madowo of CNN International, John Nery of Rappler, and past winner, Pavla Holcová of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project 

The 2025 Lewis Prize winner will be honored at World Justice Forum 2025: Standing Up for the Rule of Law, to be held in Warsaw, Poland, June 23-26. 

Learn more about the Lewis Prize and apply here: WorldJusticeProject.org/LewisPrize

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Media Contact: [email protected] 

About the World Justice Project 

The World Justice Project is an independent, multidisciplinary organization working to create knowledge, build awareness, and stimulate action to advance the rule of law worldwide. The annual World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index® is used by governments, multilateral organizations, businesses, academia, media, and civil society organizations around the world to assess and address gaps in 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 equity, opportunity, and peace—underpinning development, accountable government, and respect for fundamental rights. Learn more at WorldJusticeProject.org