In 2006, American Bar Association President Bill Neukom created the World Justice Project as a presidential initiative with the support of 21 strategic partners.
The WJP transitioned into an independent, non-profit organization in 2009 and now celebrates 15 years of promoting the rule of law and advancing justice worldwide.
The ABA has played a role in the development and success of the WJP, aligning its mission with the fundamental belief that justice should be accessible to all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
The WJP aims to strengthen the rule of law through research, advocacy and engagement in communities across the globe, and the ABA has collaborated closely with the organization to address the critical issues facing legal systems worldwide.
The ABA Section of Environment, Energy and Resources has been involved with the WJP for nearly two decades, including participating in the WJP’s “Rebuilding Trust” campaign. The ABA’s Center for Global Programs houses international programs that promote the rule of law, justice, economic opportunity and human dignity.
As part of its 15th anniversary, the World Justice Project hosted a symposium at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 30.
Since its inception, the WJP has produced the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, a yearly ranking of 142 countries scored by level of freedom and rights based on eight factors of the rule of law. It has become the gold standard for independent data on the subject.
The index has proven to be a tool for tracking adherence by countries to various rights and freedoms.
“The shrinking of the rule of law is the seminal issue of our time,” said Neukom, who is co-founder and chief executive officer of the WJP. “And by rule of law I mean a durable system of laws, institutions, norms and community commitment that delivers accountability, just laws, open government and accessible justice.
“It is critical to our well-being. It is why you can feel safe in your home and at work, can earn a living, live a life of dignity and continue to be part of a functioning community. Without it, you are left with a flimsy platform on which to build a life.” The WJP recently released a survey titled U.S. Rule of Law Trends and the 2024 Election, examining Americans’ trust in the courts and elections.
The WJP transitioned into an independent, non-profit organization in 2009 and now celebrates 15 years of promoting the rule of law and advancing justice worldwide.
The ABA has played a role in the development and success of the WJP, aligning its mission with the fundamental belief that justice should be accessible to all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
The WJP aims to strengthen the rule of law through research, advocacy and engagement in communities across the globe, and the ABA has collaborated closely with the organization to address the critical issues facing legal systems worldwide.
The ABA Section of Environment, Energy and Resources has been involved with the WJP for nearly two decades, including participating in the WJP’s “Rebuilding Trust” campaign. The ABA’s Center for Global Programs houses international programs that promote the rule of law, justice, economic opportunity and human dignity.
As part of its 15th anniversary, the World Justice Project hosted a symposium at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 30.
Since its inception, the WJP has produced the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, a yearly ranking of 142 countries scored by level of freedom and rights based on eight factors of the rule of law. It has become the gold standard for independent data on the subject.
The index has proven to be a tool for tracking adherence by countries to various rights and freedoms.
“The shrinking of the rule of law is the seminal issue of our time,” said Neukom, who is co-founder and chief executive officer of the WJP. “And by rule of law I mean a durable system of laws, institutions, norms and community commitment that delivers accountability, just laws, open government and accessible justice.
“It is critical to our well-being. It is why you can feel safe in your home and at work, can earn a living, live a life of dignity and continue to be part of a functioning community. Without it, you are left with a flimsy platform on which to build a life.” The WJP recently released a survey titled U.S. Rule of Law Trends and the 2024 Election, examining Americans’ trust in the courts and elections.
