Empirical Research
55 Articles

Rule of Law Index Shows Some Rays of Hope Amidst Continuing Global Recession
While the rule of law recession persists, the 2024 data show progress on some issues and some countries stepping back from the brink of autocracy.

Introduction to Expert Statements on Role of Extremism in Social and News Media, submitted to January 6th House Select Committee
Twenty statements from leading experts in law, academia, and other research organizations

Old Constitutional Provisions and Presidential Selection: The folly of exhuming Section 3 of the 14th Amendment
A critical analysis of the use of the 14th Amendment to bar candidates, including former President Trump, from running for office, without congressional implementing legislation.…

New Rule of Law Index: Spread of Authoritarianism Slows But Justice Systems Are Failing
Annual index reveals new global trends in reversing authoritarianism but concerns about civil and justice systems. See also U.S. rankings.

The Meta Studies: Nuanced Findings, Corporate Spin, and Media Oversimplification
A collaboration between social scientists and Meta has been held up as a potential “new model for platform research” that may help explain the effects social media companies…

Anticipating Jim Jordan’s Judiciary Committee Hearing with FBI Director Wray
Will there be real oversight or more allegations of conspiracies and victimhood that drive political violence?

Why the E. Jean Carroll Verdict Will Matter to Voters
Sexual assault is incompatible with serving in public office, according to large majorities of voters.

Introduction to Expert Statements on Democracy and Political Violence, submitted to January 6th House select committee
33 statements from leading experts in law, academia, and other research organizations

Let’s Talk About Compliance with International Humanitarian Law
What the empirics say about how States and non-State actors actually behave on the battlefield and under what conditions their compliance with humanitarian law changes.

How a January 6 Commission Can Succeed: What Empirical Research Tells Us
Research on more than 50 independent commissions sheds light on optimal design for commission, selection of its commissioners, and their work ahead.

Mass Job Losses and Other Economic Costs of President Trump’s Inaction on Coronavirus
An economic analysis of the impact of federal mismanagement of the coronavirus pandemic, including effects on unemployment and recession.

White Supremacist Infiltration of US Police Forces: Fact-Checking National Security Advisor O’Brien
What the available research says about systemic discrimination in law enforcement as well as links to racist and white supremacist ideology.