Courts & Litigation

Just Security’s expert authors offer analysis and informational resources on key litigation impacting national security, rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Our content spans domestic and international litigation, from cases at the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and other international and regional tribunals, to those in U.S. courts involving executive branch actions, transnational litigation, and more.

Highlights:

An American flag behind a judges bench in a courtroom

Judicial Deference and Presidential Power Under the Alien Enemies Act

Where judges have in the past and should in the future draw the line on judicial deference to the President in Alien Enemies Act cases.
Close-up shot of U.S. money and flag

How Trump’s Law Firm Settlements Circumvent Congress and Violate Federal Spending Laws

The Trump administration has operated outside the appropriations process and congressional oversight through its law firm settlements.
Image: A prison officer guards a cell at maximum security penitentiary CECOT (Center for the Compulsory Housing of Terrorism) on April 4, 2025 in Tecoluca, San Vicente, El Salvador. (Photo by Alex Peña/Getty Images)

Another Abrego Garcia, and the Administration’s “Contrivance” to Keep Him in El Salvador’s Prison

Fourth Circuit rejects the government's attempt to keep a detainee very similar to Abrego Garcia in CECOT prison.
Gavel and scales with a US flag in the background as symbols of a jurisdiction.

Litigation Tracker: Legal Challenges to Trump Administration Actions

A public resource tracking all the legal challenges to the Trump administration's executive orders and actions.
A collage of images featuring scenes from the Russia - Ukraine War.

Just Security’s Russia–Ukraine War Archive

A catalog of over 100 articles (many with Ukrainian translations) on the Russia Ukraine War -- law, diplomacy, policy options, and more.
IMAGES (left to right): Natural disaster and its consequences (via Getty Images); In this picture taken on September 28, 2022, an internally displaced flood-affected family sits outside their tent at a makeshift tent camp in Jamshoro district of Sindh province (Photo by Rizwan Tabassum/AFP via Getty Images; Trees smolder and burn during the Dixie fire near Greenville, California on August 3, 2021. – Numerous fires are raging through the state’s northern forests, as climate change makes wildfire season longer, hotter and more devastating. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)

Just Security’s Climate Archive

A catalog of articles analyzing the diplomatic, political, legal, security, and humanitarian consequences of the international climate crisis.
× Clear Filters
2,797 Articles
Ukraine, Kyiv Oblast, Pripyat, Interior of long abandoned building with completely broken out windows - stock photo (Getty Images)

Making Russia Pay: Obtaining Compensation for Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine in American Courts

US courts may offer avenues for holding Russia accountable for injuries caused by its unlawful invasion of Ukraine, subject to certain limitations.
Binders of executive orders stacked on a desk.

Collection: Just Security’s Coverage of Trump Administration Executive Actions

Coverage of key developments, including in concise “What Just Happened” expert explainers, legal and policy analysis, and more. Check back frequently for updates.
Judge gavel with american flag on wooden table

When the Executive Defies the Judiciary: How Federal Courts Can Enforce Their Orders Without the Marshals

Federal courts possess a number of tools to ensure the U.S. government is held responsible for failing to enforce or execute court orders.
Just Security

The Just Security Podcast: Discussion of Stephen Miller Remarks on Suspension of Habeas Corpus & Path Ahead

An assessment of Stephen Miller's recent remarks on the suspension of habeas corpus and the path ahead for courts and members of Congress.
A cherry tree in bloom near the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.

A Pyrrhic Victory: Initial Supreme Court Gain for Trump on Alien Enemies Act May End in Administration’s Loss

An emerging consensus among federal judges on the AEA's application increases the odds for the Trump administration's loss at the Supreme Court.
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele

The Dirty Deal with El Salvador

What’s known about the agreement between the United States and El Salvador when it comes to CECOT prison, and why sworn testimony may be needed to fill in the gaps.
The U.S. Supreme Court building at dawn in Washington, D.C., U.S. Photographer: Samuel Corum/Bloomberg

The Supreme Court’s Next 100 Days: Understanding the Passive-Aggressive Virtues (and Vices)

The Supreme Court's pushback during the first 100 days of the Trump administration is striking. What to look for in the next 100.
Tank and soldiers shown on Mexico border

The New “National Defense Area” at the Southern Border: What You Need to Know

NSPM-4 creates a military area that is twice the size of Washington, D.C. and expands the military’s role in stopping cross-border migration.
The office of the law firm Perkins Coie is seen on April 10, 2025 in Washington, DC.

No, the President Cannot Enforce the Law-Firm Deals

"First, are these agreements legally enforceable? Second, if not, what principled reasons do the firms have for keeping their part of these bargains?"
gavel hammer with smartphone on blue background.

Online Safety Regulations Around the World: The State of Play and The Way Forward

A global survey and analysis of online safety laws reveals an emerging set of discernible approaches to platform regulation.
(L-R) Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine Iryna Mudra, the European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law Michael McGrath, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset standing at white podiums in front of a blue backdrop.

International Law at the Precipice: Holding Leaders Accountable for the Crime of Aggression in Russia’s War Against Ukraine

The Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine cannot be treated as a bargaining chip in negotiations to end hostilities.

How March 31 Military Flight of Venezuelan Nationals to El Salvador Most Likely Violated Court Order

It may all come down to "acting in concert or participation with."
1-12 of 2,797 items

DON'T MISS A THING. Stay up to date with Just Security curated newsletters: