Effective Rule of Law is necessary to create safe societies, lift people from poverty, build economic prosperity, reduce corruption, improve public health, and enhance education. A free and fair political system, protection of human rights, a vibrant civil society, public confidence in the police, and the courts all depend upon accountable governments, fair and accessible application of the law, and respect for international human rights standards. Thus, without effective Rule of Law, populations are exposed to a myriad of abuses and societies fail to thrive.
Our mission is to lead a global, multidisciplinary effort to strengthen the Rule of Law for the development of communities of opportunity and equity.
The World Justice Project is based on two complementary premises: first, the Rule of Law is the foundation for communities of opportunity and equity; and second, multidisciplinary collaboration is the most effective way to advance the Rule of Law.
A key component of the Rule of Law is a robust civil society. A healthy civil society bridges the gap between governments and citizens, informing the public of its rights and holding the government accountable for its actions; a vibrant civil society complements effective Rule of Law and effective Rule of Law contributes to the growth and development of civil society.
The WJP uses a working definition of the Rule of Law based on four universal principles:
- The government and its officials and agents are accountable under the law.
- The laws are clear, publicized, stable and fair, and protect fundamental rights, including the security of persons and property.
- The process by which the laws are enacted, administered, and enforced is accessible, fair, and efficient.
- Access to Justice is provided by competent, independent, and ethical adjudicators, attorneys or representatives, and judicial officers who are of sufficient number, have adequate resources, and reflect the makeup of the communities they serve.
Our work consists of three distinct and mutually reinforcing initiatives: Mainstreaming, the Rule of Law Index, and Scholarship.