On August 12, former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton was honored with the 2013 ABA medal, its highest honor, in recognition of “distinguished service by a lawyer to the cause of American jurisprudence.”
 
“I am so deeply grateful to you for this award, and I am humbled by those who have received it in the past, to join their company in some small measure, to continue the work that the ABA has championed,” said Secretary Clinton. In her speech, Secretary Clinton praised ABA’s efforts in promoting the rule of law worldwide, referring to ABA President Laurel Bellows’ contributions to combatting human trafficking, as well as the launch of the ABA Rule of Law Initiative in over 60 countries. 
 
Secretary Clinton also noted the launch of the World Justice Project and its Rule of Law Index, which measures governance around the world based on four universal principles. She acknowledged that the principles are essential concepts for any healthy democracy, including the United States.

“The search for justice drives people to stand up against dictatorship, corruption and oppression,” she added. “Rule of the law is the most powerful tool in human history to deliver this justice.”
 
The main focus of the speech was voting rights, where she urged citizens, lawyers and members of the ABA in the grassroots level to address challenges to voting rights. 
 
“Now not every obstacle is related to race, but anyone who says that racial discrimination is no longer a problem in American elections must not be paying attention” she said. 
 
ABA President Laurel Bellows applauded Secretary Clinton for her “immense accomplishments as a lawyer, the strides she made for women both professionally and civically, and for promoting the interests of the U.S. and human rights abroad, she not only deserves this honor, but also the gratitude of the legal profession and the nation.” 
 
Previous recipients of the ABA medal include former Supreme Court justices, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. and Sandra Day O’Conner, and current Supreme Court justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
 
WJP Staff World Justice Project
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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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The Warsaw Principles for the Rule of Law
Press release

Global Coalition Unites in Warsaw, Unveiling New Principles for Joint Action on 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.

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Chief Justice Zondo accepts the World Justice Project Rule of Law Award
Press release

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo Honored with Prestigious WJP Rule of Law Award for Anti-Corruption Efforts

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.

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