Democracy & Rule of Law

Just Security’s expert authors provide analysis on threats and challenges to democracy and the rule of law in the United States and globally. Coverage includes analysis of the separation of powers, good governance, democratic backsliding, authoritarianism, judicial independence, freedom of the press and association, and accountability for rule of law violations.

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3,335 Articles
Mr. David Kaye, Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, speaks at a press briefing.

A Conversation With U.N. Special Rapporteur David Kaye: COVID-19 and Freedom of Expression

Ryan Goodman, Just Security's co-editor-in-chief, recently posed a series of questions to David Kaye, U.N. Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression.
Trump speaks in the Rose Garden without a face mask on May 15, 2020. Dr. Anthony Fauci stands behind him with a face mask.

Nine Questions for the White House Physician on the President’s Use of Hydroxychloroquine

President Donald Trump’s announcement on May 18 that he had secretly begun taking the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine 10 days before coincides with the revelation that two…
Michael Flynn leaves the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse on June 24, 2019 in Washington, DC.

An Inquiry into DOJ’s Decision to Drop the Flynn Case Can’t Be Left to Judge Sullivan Alone

More than just wrong, interim U.S. Attorney Timothy Shea's filing of the motion also may have violated legal and DOJ ethics rules.
People demonstrate against President Richard Nixon and for the implementation of the impeachment proceedings, 30 January 1974 in Washington.

Recently Released OLC Opinions From 1974 Shed Light on Current Legal Debates

Earlier this month, my colleagues and I at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University secured the release of 96 previously withheld opinions authored by the Justice…
Donald Trump takes part in a welcoming ceremony with China's President Xi Jinping on November 9, 2017 in Beijing, China.

Nixon Went to China. Trump Should Go to Wuhan.

This week the annual meeting of the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) convenes in virtual format, under the shadow of a dangerous pandemic, and with…
Michael Flynn leaves the Prettyman Federal Courthouse following a sentencing hearing in U.S. District Court December 18, 2018 in Washington, DC.

Why the Flynn Dismissal Deserves a Hard Look by the Court

The judge presiding over the Michael Flynn case is right to take a hard look at the Department of Justice’s eleventh-hour motion to dismiss the false statements charge to which…
Donald Trump speaking and Michael Flynn in the background

Anticipating Phase Two of the Trumped Up “Obamagate”

Grappling with the potential criminal liability of leakers of the Flynn phone call, and how Trump and Barr will exploit it in their ongoing campaign of public deception.
Two U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors fly above Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Feb. 2, 2018.

The Fatal Flaw in DOD’s Latest Civilian Casualties Report

Lawmakers and even the Trump administration have increasingly expressed concern about the United States waging an “endless war,” and among those concerns is the impact on civilians…
flags of Department of Justice and USA

DC Needs a New U.S. Attorney

Why the federal court should act to replace the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Timothy Shea, following his handling of the Roger Stone and Michael Flynn cases.
Afghan men gather near the road as a military convoy by soldiers from the 1st Platoon, 1-64 Armoured Batallion, US Army - operating under NATO - roll-past security patrols at Morghan-Kecha village in Daman district, Kandahar on September 6, 2012.

Here’s What the New DoD Policy on Civilian Harm Should Include

It should standardize good practice and set the bar where it belongs: safeguarding civilian life from the effects of U.S. military operations.
US Army from NATO and Afghan commando forces at a checkpoint during a patrol against Islamic State militants at the Deh Bala district in the eastern province of Nangarhar Province. There are multiple vehicles around the checkpoint.

Grading DOD’s Annual Civilian Casualties Report: “Incomplete”

The new information demonstrates how much progress the department has made and yet how much of a paradigm shift is still needed for full accountability.
William Barr on Fox News April 9 2020. The caption on the screen reads, “Atty Gen Barr on Status of Durham Investigation.”

Barr Ignores Settled Justice Department Policies in Run-Up to 2020 Elections

Apparently seeking to support false claims about the Russia investigation and the president's reelection bid, the attorney general flouts long-settled DOJ policy.
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