The World Justice Project, sponsored by the American Bar Association, seeks to capitalize on the momentum generated by the previous meetings in order to broaden and institutionalize the network of organizations and individuals committed to advancing the rule of law. The project consists of three related initiatives leading up to a plenary conference, the World Justice Forum, to be held in Europe in spring 2008: (1) multidisciplinary outreach conferences, (2) development of a rule of law index, and (3) a research program involving a conference of experts studying various aspects of the rule of law.   

The term “rule of law” is a debated phrase, used in different senses by different speakers in a variety of contexts. We seek to define this concept constructively, informed by a discussion of such fundamental normative questions as what defines a good life and what the ultimate ends of a rule of law system might be. We will consider the tension between definitions of law based on universal principles and the need to adapt this concept to different cultural and historical contexts.

The relationship between the rule of law and economic and social development is a central question of our time. Is it the case, as some have argued, that the rule of law has spurred economic development in Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America? Or does the causal direction run the other way? Or do law and economic growth co-vary in complex and contingent ways? We seek to build on the existing literature and consider new possibilities for implementation of policies highlighted by a clearer understanding of the fundamental causal relationships at work. For more information on the World Justice Project, please click on the "Details" link above.

News

The inaugural World Justice Forum will be held in Vienna, Austria on July 2-5, 2008.