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.
2,932 Articles

Inter-American Court of Human Rights Delivers Landmark Opinion on Climate Emergency
The advisory opinion provides a blueprint for policymakers and advocates seeking to drive forward climate action in the Americas.

The Legal Fig Leaf: The US-El Salvador Detainee Diplomatic Notes
Declassified U.S.–El Salvador documents expose a shaky legal cover and continued U.S. control over detainees in CECOT, raising questions about complicity in potential abuses.

Classified Information and State Secrets: Why the Senate Must Consider National Security Risks in Judicial Confirmations
A vote to confirm a judicial nominee is a vote to grant that individual a lifetime security clearance and access to some of the country’s most closely held secrets.

From Bench to Ballot: Judicial Integrity and Political Ambition at the ICJ
ICJ president Nawaf Salam's resignation demonstrates why clear ethical boundaries are essential to the Court’s continued authority and legitimacy.

Court of International Trade’s Flawed Ruling in Striking Down Trump’s Tariffs
On May 28, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled Trump's tariffs exceed IEEPA's scope; the court's analysis is weak. These cases show limits of constitutional avoidance.

Whistleblower Documents Implicate Emil Bove in Criminal Contempt Order by Chief Judge Boasberg
Email released by whistleblower would presumably implicate Bove in the “contumacious conduct” identified by Chief Judge Boasberg.

The Trump Administration’s Multi-Front Assault on Federal Research Funding
Costs for scientific progress and the public could be profound if the Trump administration succeeds in significantly cutting research funding.

AI Copyright Wars Threaten U.S. Technological Primacy in the Face of Rising Chinese Competition
Outdated U.S. copyright laws could inadvertently boost Beijing's tech ambitions and its approach to IP globally.

Hanging “Like a Guillotine”: Trump v. CASA and the Risk of Statelessness
For the first time in modern history, children born on American soil may be rendered stateless. The risk to non-citizen children is real and urgent.

Pathways to “Universal” Relief After Trump v. CASA
CASA’s reasoning left open multiple avenues for litigants seeking to obtain broad relief against unlawful executive actions

It’s Not Too Late for States Parties to Fulfill the Promise of the International Criminal Court: Three Actions They Should Take Now
The ICC might still play a role in walking humanity back from the brink, if States can find the political will to respect and strengthen the work of the Court.

After CASA: The Administrative Procedure Act Option for Challenging the Birthright Citizenship and Other Illegal Executive Actions
After Trump v. CASA, the APA offers a path to nationwide relief against unconstitutional executive actions—without relying on universal injunctions.