What We Do

The mission of the World Justice Project is to lead a global, multidisciplinary effort to strengthen the rule of law for the development of communities of opportunity and equity.

Our Opportunity

In nearly every corner of the world, people are denied basic rights to safety, freedom, and dignity because the rule of law is weak or non-existent. The natural environment is degraded when environmental protection laws are ignored. Women suffer abuse when they don’t know they are protected by laws or when their access to justice is limited. Families suffer when parents are coerced into paying bribes to get their children admitted to public schools or to get them basic health care. Local and international businesses avoid investing in communities because of the lack of stable rules and regulations and excessive amounts of risk.

Rule of law means better public health, economic development, and political participation. It is the necessary ingredient to all forms of human endeavor, especially in communities of greatest need.

A well-functioning rule of law means:

  • Local business and foreign investment aren’t stifled by corruption
  • Governments are held accountable for their actions and citizens are able to express dissent—peacefully
  • Children are sent to school, and not exploited for cheap labor
  • Women and girls are able to protect themselves from violence and discrimination
  • Mothers can vaccinate their children without paying bribes
  • Buildings withstand earthquakes, bridges remain upright and lives are not put in danger by compromised regulations

Learn more about the meaning and importance of the rule of law.

Our Approach

The work of the World Justice Project is founded on two premises: the rule of law is the foundation of communities of opportunity and equity and multidisciplinary collaboration is the most effective way to advance the rule of law. Everyone is a stakeholder in advancing justice.

The Project has three complementary programs: Research and Scholarship, Rule of Law Index and Engagement.

Through our Research and Scholarship we work to deepen understanding about the concept and impact of the rule of law.

The WJP Rule of Law Index uses polls of experts and the general populations of countries to assess issues of government accountability, fundamental rights, openness of government and access to justice. This tool is used extensively by policymakers, civil society, practitioners, academics and businesses to assess and improve rule of law adherence in their countries.

Finally, the WJP works with business, civil society, governments and others to create programs that help advance the rule of law. The WJP relies on the work of these partners in their own countries to know what issues they need to address and how best to address them.