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.

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2,853 Articles
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy leaves after a hearing in his trial on charges of illegal campaign financing from Libya for his successful 2007 presidential bid, at the Tribunal de Paris courthouse in Paris, on March 27, 2025. French prosecutors requested on March 27, 2025, a seven-year prison sentence for former president Nicolas Sarkozy in his trial on charges of accepting illegal campaign financing in an alleged pact with the late Libyan dictator. (Photo by ALAIN JOCARD/AFP via Getty Images)

The Sarkozy-Gaddafi Trial Exposes Corruption’s Devastating Effect on Libyans

Alongside its democratic commitments, France should also reckon with the human rights consequences of its Libya foreign policy and interference in the post-Sarkozy era.
The Supreme Court building is shown with a blue sky behind it.

Relocating Nationwide Injunctions

Consolidating cases allows a clear, expedited path to Supreme Court review, helping quickly address matters involving executive orders.
A person walks past the The United States Court of International Trade

What Just Happened: The Tariff Litigation Advances

A recent U.S. Court of International Trade ruling may distract more than it changes the course of U.S. President Trump's trade policy.
People listen to Everett Kelley, President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Union, during a "Save the Civil Service" rally

Too Big to Be Lawful: A Federal Court Halts Mass Layoffs Across the Civil Service

A recent court decision has made clear that reorganizing the federal government can't proceed through backdoor executive planning.
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The Just Security Podcast: Dismissal of Voting Rights Lawsuits

Chiraag Bains, in conversation with Dani Schulkin, discusses the impact on voting rights enforcement and the crucial role now played by voters & advocacy groups.
The back of Karim Khan's head and his name sign, which reads "Prosecutor, International Criminal Court" is shown.

Upholding Justice Within: Strengthening Internal Accountability at the International Criminal Court

Steps the ICC must take to modernize compliance and embrace accountability, shifting from quiet management of misconduct to adopting robust frameworks for lasting legitimacy.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (L) meets with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele at his residence at Lake Coatepeque in El Congo municipality, El Salvador, on February 3, 2025. (Photo by MARK SCHIEFELBEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The Absence of “State Secrets” in US-El Salvador Agreement: On Removal and Imprisonment of Non-US Citizens

A "case cruncher" on the legal doctrine governing the state secrets privilege, and a Table containing senior government officials' public acknowledgments.
Department of Justice building against twilgiht sky

What Just Happened: The Trump Administration’s Dismissal of Voting Rights Lawsuits

Retreat from voting rights enforcement and efforts to tighten access to the ballot mark a rupture with the Civil Rights Division’s traditional role.
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.
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.
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