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.
3,393 Articles
What a Proper Investigation of Alex Pretti’s Killing Would Look Like
On Saturday morning shortly after 9am local time, U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old I.C.U. nurse, on the streets of Minneapolis. The facts are…
The White House’s New Fraud Section: Key Questions
The plan for a new DOJ fraud division, reportedly run from the White House, raises major legal and policy questions about executive power and DOJ independence.
Emerging Evidence Provides Basis for Opening Investigation of ICE Agent Who Killed Renee Good
The Justice Department’s refusal to investigate ICE Agent Jonathan Ross’s killing of Renee Good breaks with decades of DOJ civil-rights practice and standards.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Let Not Arrogance Be Our Doom
With humility and our collective morals and values, we must extinguish the flames of hubris in US foreign and domestic policy, or "our arrogance will be our doom."
The New Civil Rights “Backstop”: How DAs and AGs Can and Must Investigate ICE Abuses
The new role for state and local law enforcement authorities in prosecuting criminal violations of Americans' civil rights.
Who Will Stand Up for Human Rights in 2026 – and How?
The deterioration in human rights in 2025 heightens the risks for defenders going forward, all worsened by donors' deep funding cuts, especially those of the United States.
War Powers, Venezuela, Drug Boats, and Congress
The last year of unauthorized military interventions and the president’s threats should spur Congress to reassert its constitutional prerogatives over the use of force.
Trump v. Illinois: A Narrow Supreme Court Decision with Broad Implications
The rationale behind the Supreme Court’s decision in 𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑚𝑝 𝑣. 𝐼𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑖𝑠 complicates Trump's remaining options for deploying federal military…
DOJ’s Dangerous Silence in the Face of Federal Immigration Agents’ Violent Tactics
The DOJ has the authority, resources, and responsibility to hold federal agents accountable for willful constitutional violations.
Head of State Immunity and Maduro on Trial
Why did Maduro tell the judge he's still president? One reason: under international law, one country's sitting head of state can’t be prosecuted in another country’s courts.
Expert Q&A on U.S. Military Actions in Venezuela and Boat Strikes
Expert FAQ on the U.S. military operations against Venezuela, high seas boat strikes, seizure of vessels and more.
The Epstein Files and the Seven Member Rule
In a polarized Congress, discharge petitions and the Seven Member Rule preserve a limited but vital role for the minority, strengthening oversight.