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.
3,158 Articles
Will the Supreme Court’s Understanding of the First Amendment Thwart Laws Aimed at Limiting Foreign Influence in U.S. Elections?
Calling attention to perhaps the greatest impediment to effective limits on foreign influence on our elections: the United States Supreme Court.
Loopholes in Public Corruption Laws Benefit Swamp Dwellers
If we are to deter corruption and hold accountable officials who breach the public’s trust, some changes in the law are needed.
If Grand Jury Thinks Manafort Obstructed Justice, Bail Judge Might Too
Special Counsel Robert Mueller unsealed a superseding indictment of Paul Manafort that adds defendant Konstantin Kilimnik, and includes charges of obstruction of justice and conspiracy…
Far from “Thin,” Evidence of Manafort’s Witness Tampering Likely Meets Necessary Standard
The fact that Special Counsel Robert Mueller has brought a motion alleging witness tampering by Paul Manafort says nothing about where things stand in the larger investigation.
What If Police Use ‘Rekognition’ Without Telling Defendants?
At least two US law enforcement departments -- and Motorola, which sells equipment to the government -- have already purchased access to Amazon’s “Rekognition” system. This…
Did Russian Trolls Have Company?: New Evidence on Israel-based PSY-Group’s Possible Social Media Efforts in 2016 US Election
Much ink has been spilled on the role of the Russia-backed Internet Research Agency’s engaging in disinformation tactics to help the Trump campaign. The intelligence firm and…
Trump Might Be Surprised to Learn: Justice “Spy” Tactics Used on Dem Politicians Too
During the Obama administration, the Justice Department routinely used “spy” tactics to investigate Democratic campaigns and politicians.
France’s Creeping Terrorism Laws Restricting Free Speech
French prosecutors have been aggressively pursuing anyone who speaks positively of a terrorist act or group even if their intention is not to incite violence or promote the group.
Reading the Mueller Tea Leaves During a Confusing Week
There were stories this week that seemed to suggest Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into the Trump campaign and Russian interference in the election may be winding…
A Cosmic Legal Collision: The Engineer vs. The Border Patrol
For a quarter of a century, Terry Bressi, staff member and chief engineer for the Spacewatch Project at the University of Arizona’s Lunar & Planetary Lab, has had two…
Cohen’s Slush Fund is Not Business as Usual—But Business as Usual Needs to Change
President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, sold his access to the president to multinational corporations, including one reportedly controlled by a Russian oligarch,…
Trump’s Subpoena Gamble: Fighting It Could Open Door to Indictment
If President Trump litigates the question whether the special counsel can subpoena him, the courts may ending up also saying a sitting president can be indicted.