Rule of Law

Current Projects

The following is a list of the Rule of Law program's current projects.

Addressing Housing, Land and Property Issues Arising from Post-2003 Displacement and Return Workshop

A workshop was held in Amman, Jordan to provide an opportunity for Iraqi governmental and non-governmental officials to develop solutions for managing the array of property issues that arise from post-2003 displacement and to engage with international experts to explore approaches taken by other countries in similar circumstances.

The Role of Non-State Justice Systems in Fostering the Rule of Law in Post-Conflict Societies

In post-conflict societies, the formal justice system is generally weak, may lack legitimacy, and often serves only a small portion of the population. Even with international aid and personnel, expanding the capacity and quality of the system generally takes several years.

Model Codes for Post-Conflict Criminal Justice Project

The importance of the rule of law to the rebuilding of post-conflict societies and the re-establishment of peace and security is widely acknowledged. A plethora of activities have been, or are currently being, undertaken in post-conflict states in the rule of law sphere by international and local actors.

Combating Serious Crimes in Post-Conflict Societies Project

In a series of meetings and expert consultations over a two-year period, more than 40 experts with firsthand experience in combating serious crimes in postconflict environments have contributed to the development of a handbook compiled by the Rule of Law Serious Crimes project, called Combating Serious Crimes in Postconflict Societies: A Handbook for Policymakers and Practitioners.

International Network to Promote the Rule of Law (INPROL) Project

USIP has created the International Network to Promote the Rule of Law (INPROL), a web-based network of rule of law practitioners and experts, to promote information sharing and address the immediate information needs of officials in the field. Given the ad hoc and urgent nature of post-conflict rule of law activities, practitioners often work in isolation, without access to outside expertise and the benefits of past experience.

Constitution Making

Nations of every region of the world recognize the role of constitutionalism in their political and legal systems. In many countries making the transition from conflict, oppression, or other major political crises, one of the first tasks undertaken is the drafting of a new constitution—a key element of democratization and state-building.

Transitional Justice

How can an emerging democracy peacefully integrate both the personnel and the victims of the former regime? How can it achieve justice and reconciliation? These difficult questions are faced by many countries today, and the answers can often have profound political, legal, and economic consequences.

International Law and Armed Conflict

The implementation and enforcement of international legal norms concerning the conduct of war and accountability for atrocities committed in the course of conflict remain critical challenges for those engaged in conflict resolution and post-conflict peacebuilding. Both the jurisprudence in this area and institutional arrangements for addressing violations of international criminal law continue to evolve and to require creative analysis and input.

Country-Specific Projects

Projects include work in Iraq, Israel and Palestine, Afghanistan, Sudan, Nepal, and Liberia.