Rule of Law

States need independent agencies with jurisdiction to enforce their residents’ rights so the valuation of those rights are evenhanded and not subject to political will.

The Financial Action Task Force's designations of countries to thwart terrorism financing more often result in governments suppressing civil society than in real reform.

U.S. strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels mark an unlawful expansion of military force into what has long been—and should remain—a law enforcement mission.

A series exploring the powers and authorities state and local governments have to check federal overreach and protect democratic norms and individual rights.

The erosion of the presumption of regularity presents opportunities to those challenging the Trump administration’s agenda in court.

As a federal-level accountability desert forms, states are reviving "collateral accountability" — damages suits against federal officers who violate constitutional rights.

Bashar Al-Assad's in absentia conviction represents a milestone in Syria's justice system, but the trial was plagued by glaring problems.

States must be vigilant stewards of their data — auditing what they hold, limiting what they share, and enforcing legal constraints against federal overreach.

The untold power of regular grand juries and special grand juries to independently conduct investigations and issue reports when federal prosecutors won't.

Lessons from Nixon's forgotten essay in defense of his infamous remark.

States have constitutional protections against commandeering and coercion — but face a new challenge when the federal government sidelines states completely.

State and local governments have constitutional and legal powers that can be harnessed to challenge repressive federal actions and to advance meaningful freedom and equality.