For centuries, the United States was seen as a global leader on the rule of law.  

The pioneering U.S. Constitution was the first to enshrine key checks and balances that prevent abuses of government power. Its Bill of Rights guaranteed fundamental freedoms for the people themselves.  

Over the years, the United States expanded the reach of its founding rule of law principles to protect more people at home and to influence many countries abroad. 

But today, the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index shows that the rule of law is declining globally. 

How is U.S. rule of law doing? Take the quiz and find out! 

 

Explore the 2023 WJP Rule of Law Index. 

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A People-Centered Approach to Justice

To strengthen global understanding of access to justice, the World Justice Project has developed the Global Legal Needs Survey (GLNS)—the first effort to collect comparable data on how people experience and resolve legal problems worldwide. Conducted in over 100 countries between 2017 and 2024, the survey captures the voices of more than 100,000 people, shedding light on the most common legal challenges, sources of help, and the real-life impact of justice problems.

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WJP Chief of Public Sector Partnerships Mark Lewis during his participation in the United Kingdom House of Lords Constitution Committee’s official inquiry into the rule of law

WJP Shares Global Rule of Law Trends with UK House of Lords

On July 2, 2025, the World Justice Project (WJP) was honored to participate in the United Kingdom House of Lords Constitution Committee’s official inquiry into the rule of law. This invitation followed WJP’s written submission and marked an invaluable opportunity to support evidence-based policymaking in the United Kingdom.

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In Memory of William H. Neukom

It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our founder and dear friend, William H. Neukom, known to all of us simply as Bill. Bill was the driving force behind the World Justice Project (WJP), and his absence leaves a profound void in the soul of our organization. His belief in justice was unwavering. His deep humanity and his remarkable gift for bringing people together—regardless of background or origin—shaped everything we do at WJP.

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