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.
3,333 Articles
The Failures of the Mueller Report’s Campaign Finance Analysis
Former White House Counsel and top election law expert critiques Mueller's legal and factual analysis of campaign finance law: "The results are an unconvincing decision to decline…
Trump’s `Fake News’ Tirades Embolden Arab Leaders’ Crackdowns
President Donald Trump’s discourse on fake news has created a dangerous environment, and not only for journalists working in the United States. Autocrats in countries of the…
Amid the Nadler-Barr Standoff: Some History of Struggles Over Hearing Processes
Attorney General William Barr refused to appear before the House Judiciary Committee at its hearing today on the Mueller Report, further escalating the battle between the executive…
Barr and Congress: Is the Focus on Criminality Too Narrow?–Five Experts Weigh In
The Senate Judiciary Committee’s questioning of Attorney General William Barr yesterday raises the question of whether Congress, in responding to the findings in Special Counsel…
Barr to Senate: President is Not Immune from Prosecutor Declaration of Indictable Offense
"Mueller may now be able to say on the record whether he believes President Donald Trump committed the crime of obstruction."
Mueller Report Illustrates Trump’s Authoritarian Rhetorical Tactics
One way to evaluate Trump objectively is to examine the Mueller Report for the president’s rhetorical strategies -- ad baculum, ad hominem, and paralipsis, among others.
What Congress Should Ask Bill Barr When He Testifies
Think we are missing some crucial questions? Send us a note ([email protected]) and we can add your question to the list with attribution.
Split Over Compelled Decryption Deepens With Massachusetts Case
Encryption is as omnipresent as computers, tablets, and smartphones. Yet the Supreme Court has not provided guidance on the constitutional implications of compelling a suspect…
After Bashir, Sudanese People Continue Fight for Democracy and Accountability
The African Union's three-month extension for Sudan's military to hand over to a civilian government might give the protesters time to plan for the country's future. But it also…
Guide to the Mueller Report’s Findings on “Collusion”
Essential reading on the Mueller Report: an annotation plus key findings, drawing on investigative reports and Special Counsel court filings.
CBP’s New Social Media Surveillance: A Threat to Free Speech and Privacy
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's efforts to map out the networks and activities of American activists and journalists through link analysis and social media monitoring pose…
Mueller Report and the President’s Personal Lawyers: Did They Violate Criminal Law and Ethical Rules?
Leading legal ethics professor analyzes the criminal law and ethical rules that would apply in light of conduct of Trumps personal lawyers revealed in the Mueller Report.