The Meaning, Measuring, and Mattering of the Rule of LawPublished in the November 2019 rule of law issue of the Department of Justice Journal of Federal Law and Practice, "The Meaning, Measuring, and Mattering of the Rule of Law" explores the WJP's eight defining rule of law factors measured in the WJP Rule of Law Index—and why the rule of law matters to policymakers and citizens. Learn more in the article introduction below and click through to read the full article co-authored by WJP Executive Director Elizabeth Andersen and WJP Chief Engagement Officer Ted Piccone.

Respect for the rule of law in all its dimensions is critical to the fair administration of justice, public order, and protection of fundamental freedoms. It is also increasingly understood to be a vital ingredient for effective progress on a number of other economic and social policy fronts. Yet around the world, the concept of rule of law is being contested, manipulated, and weakened by a slew of direct and indirect pressures.

In this context, this article seeks to present a comprehensive definition of the rule of law based on universal principles and explain how it is being measured through quantitative surveys of legal experts and representative households in 128 countries. It then summarizes the survey data, highlighting the United States’ record, and sets forth why it matters to policymakers and citizens.

 

Read the article

title bar

Read More

title bar
The Warsaw Principles for the Rule of Law

WARSAW, Poland – 26 June 26, 2025 – A global coalition of organizational leaders and justice advocates issued an urgent call to action today to reverse the worldwide decline in the rule of law, marked by the release of the Warsaw Principles at the conclusion of the 2025 World Justice Forum. The Warsaw Principles represent a unified front against rising authoritarian pressures and a framework for collective action to strengthen accountability.

Read More
Chief Justice Zondo accepts the World Justice Project Rule of Law Award

WARSAW, Poland – June 12, 2025 – Former South African Chief Justice Raymond Zondo was awarded the prestigious World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to justice and his courageous efforts in exposing systemic corruption. The award was presented by WJP Board Vice President Judy Perry Martinez at the 2025 World Justice Forum, a global gathering of rule of law champions. Polish Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar, a prior recipient of the award in 2019, made accompanying remarks.

Read More
Adam Bodnar remarks at the World Justice Forum 2025 Opening Reception

WARSAW, Poland – 23 June, 2025 – Hundreds of global leaders, jurists, and human rights champions gathered in Warsaw—a city with a profound history in the struggle for freedom—for the opening of the 2025 World Justice Forum. The summit aims to mobilize collective action against a rising tide of authoritarianism and reverse the global rule of law recession.

Read More