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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2,863 Articles
Artwork of protestors with signs reading, “Freedom of Expression,” “Rule of Law,” and a slashed “Corruption” sign. Blood is splattered across the protestors. In the top corner, a hand places a paper into a ballot box.

Beyond the Coup in Myanmar: “In Accordance with the Law” – How the Military Perverts Rule of Law to Oppress Civilians

The Tatmadaw have used the concept of "law" to justify both arbitrary violence against anti-coup protestors and the coup itself. But what would true "rule of law" mean in Myanmar?
The sign at the FBI headquarters building reads, “J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building.”

Key Takeaways From Latest FISA Court Opinion on Section 702 and FBI Warrantless Queries

A recently declassified FISA Court opinion shows how serious the threat is that Section 702 could be exploited as a loophole for warrantless surveillance in domestic policing.
Belsat TV journalists Katerina Bakhvalova aka Andreeva and Daria Chultsova, who were detained in November while reporting on anti-government protests, flash the V-sign from a defendant's cage during their trial in Minsk on February 18, 2021.

Belarus Jailing of Journalists for Reporting on Peaceful Protest Violates International Law

An appeal hearing in Minsk offers a chance for the court to rectify an injustice that illustrates how reporters have been targeted for abuse..

Biden Team’s Litigation Tactics on Guantanamo Undercut Biden Policy to Close the Prison

The administration's new moves before Supreme Court raise questions about whether it will more broadly decline to use straightforward tools to close Guantanamo and end indefinite…
A U.S. Marshal walks outside the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse in Washington D.C. on Saturday, June 28, 2014.

The Public Should Have Access to the Surveillance Court’s Opinions

For decades, a special court—the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, or “FISC”—has issued secret legal opinions authorizing the U.S. government to conduct sweeping…
The E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse, in Washington, DC, as seen from the sky.

Don’t Place Judicial Accountability In The Dark

Efforts to ensure the safety and security of federal judges – including by shielding certain personal information, such as addresses, from public disclosure – are sadly necessary…
The International Criminal Court's (ICC) chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, holds a press conference during her visit to look into allegations of extreme violence on May 3, 2018 in Kinshasa.

Congress Must Reform Sanctions Law to Avoid ICC Penalties from Happening Again

Reversing the sanctions the Trump administration placed on International Criminal Court leaders is not enough to prevent something like that from happening again.
People wearing face masks visit a Huawei booth during the Mobile World Congress in Shanghai on February 23, 2021.

China’s Dystopian “New IP” Plan Shows Need for Renewed US Commitment to Internet Governance

The US must rally partners to rein in the abuse of multilateral institutions for Huawei’s plans on 6G and beyond, which make concerns over 5G look minor.
Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Hizyme Potter, administers a COVID-19 vaccine to Capt. Stewart Bateshansky, commodore of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 3, aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) in the Arabian Gulf, March 19, 2021. Both wear face masks and Hospital Corpsman Potter wears gloves and a face shield.

Should the COVID-19 Vaccine Be Required for the Military?

A mandatory vaccination program would likely be upheld in military and federal courts if President Biden determines that it is in the interests of national security.
Security Council members hold a videoconference in connection with Maintenance of international peace and security.

National Security Last Week at the United Nations (April 2-9)

United States Lifts Sanctions Against ICC Officials On April 2, President Joe Biden reversed one of former President Donald Trump’s executive orders, which imposed sanctions…
The US Supreme Court is seen in Washington, D.C. The sky is sunny and blue, and bushes and trees stand outside the building.

We Do Need to Reform the Supreme Court

Why introducing a term limit or a mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court justices is needed.
A young Honduran asylum seeker waits with her family on the international bridge from Mexico to the United States on December 09, 2019 next to the border town of Matamoros, Mexico. They

To Fix the Immigration System, We Need To Start With Immigration Courts

If we want to re-build a better, stronger immigration system, we need to start with immigration courts.
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