"[The Rule of Law Index] is a tool that can bridge the gap between what we think we need and tell us how we can actually achieve it. And this applies to all countries, be they countries that enjoy developed justice systems, or countries that are in the course of developing justice systems. " -- Beverly McLachlin, P.C. 
 
The WJP Rule of Law Index relies on over 100,000 household and expert surveys to measure how the rule of law is experienced in everyday life around the world. In advance of the launch of the WJP Rule of Law Index 2014, we asked leading global voices to share their thoughts on the importance of the rule of law and the World Justice Project's efforts to measure it. 
 
Here's what The Right Honorable Beverly Mclachlin, P.C., Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, has to say about #WJPIndex. 
 
 
About Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin
 
Chief Justice McLachlin spent her formative years in Pincher Creek, Alberta and was educated at the University of Alberta, where she received a B.A. (Honours) in Philosophy in 1965. She pursued her studies at the University of Alberta and, in 1968, received both an M.A. in Philosophy and an LL.B.
 
She was called to the Alberta Bar in 1969 and to the British Columbia Bar in 1971 and practised law in Alberta and British Columbia.  Commencing in 1974, she taught for seven years in the Faculty of Law at the University of British Columbia as a tenured Associate Professor.
 
Her judicial career began in April 1981 when she was appointed to the Vancouver County Court. In September 1981, she was appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia. She was elevated to the British Columbia Court of Appeal in December of 1985 and was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in September 1988.  Seven months later, in April 1989, she was sworn in as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. On January 7, 2000, she was appointed Chief Justice of Canada. She is the first woman in Canada to hold this position.
 
In addition to her judicial duties at the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice chairs the Canadian Judicial Council, the Advisory Council of the Order of Canada and the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute. The Chief Justice is the author of numerous articles and publications and serves as an Honorary Chair of the World Justice Project.

 

WJP Staff
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It is with great sadness that the World Justice Project commemorates the passing of our honorary chair, President Jimmy Carter. We celebrate his monumental commitment to the public good through his tireless work to uphold human rights, alleviate suffering, and advance the rule of law around the world. May his long, distinguished, and consequential life of service inspire us all to keep building communities of justice, opportunity, and peace. 

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Graphic featuring the World Justice Project logo and the title '2024 Impact in Review.' The text highlights '15 years of advancing the rule of law through a data-driven, people-centered approach.' The image includes a collage of three photos: a speaker at a podium with the World Justice Project logo, a group of smiling individuals gathered for a photo at an event, and a panel discussion on stage commemorating the organization’s 15th anniversary. The background includes a gradient of purple with subtle scale

As our 15th year comes to a close, we reflect on the singular focus that has guided our journey: understanding that the rule of law shapes the daily experiences of people around the globe. Since 2009, we've delved deep into communities worldwide, asking people to share their perspectives. We’ve learned how the rule of law extends beyond legal institutions to people’s access to justice, opportunity, and peace.  Explore WJP's 2024 highlights, from advancing the rule of law to fostering global collaboration. 

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