Rule of Law
USIP's Rule of Law Center of Innovation conducts research, identifies best practices, and develops new tools for policymakers and practitioners working to promote the rule of law. It has played a significant role in shaping the field and in advancing the rule of law in fragile and post-conflict societies.
The program is based on the premise that adherence to the rule of law entails far more than the mechanical application of static legal technicalities; it requires an evolutionary search for those institutions and processes that will best bring about authentic stability through justice.
The Rule of Law program, one of the Centers of Innovation, is headed by Associate Vice President Neil Kritz.
- Afghanistan
Rule of Law is currently working in Afghanistan to improve coordination between the state and non-state justice sectors to help the country confront the legacy of past abuses, to reform the criminal law, and to strengthen the Supreme Court.
- Iraq
In Iraq, Rule of Law is supporting the constitutional process and working with the judiciary. It is also working with Iraqi officials and stakeholders to help address the challenge of millions of property disputes across the country.
- Liberia
In Liberia, Rule of Law is examining the use of non-state, traditional justice systems and helping to develop an integrated national policy. It is also supporting law reform efforts.
- Nepal
Rule of Law is bringing together Nepal's police and civil society in a dynamic dialogue, providing training to reform the legal and security sector, and advising on the creation of a truth commission to address the legacy of the country's troubled past.
- Palestine-Israel
Rule of Law is assessing the evolution of the Palestinian justice system and is developing recommendations for ways to strengthen the rule of law in the Palestinian Authority. It is also working to re-launch its successful project of Palestinian-Israeli legal dialogue and cooperation.
- Sudan
Over 60 tribal, non-state systems of justice operate in South Sudan, alongside a struggling state legal system. Rule of Law is working with tribal chiefs, state judges, police and other stakeholders to map the law applied in each, improve cooperation between them, and develop an integrated approach to justice.
- 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 and may lack legitimacy. Rule of Law is exploring how customary systems of justice can complement the state system, and is assisting three countries to develop an integrated approach to the issue.
- Model Codes for Post-Conflict Criminal Justice
The Model Codes project, involving more than 300 experts in 40 countries, is producing an invaluable set of tools for both international and national actors involved in reforming criminal laws, helping them meld international standards to post-conflict realities.
- Combating Serious Crimes in Post-Conflict Societies
In post-conflict environments, serious crimes regularly undermine the viability of peace and stability. USIP is assisting countries in transition to combat this problem, based on its handbook for policymakers and practitioners. It is also conducting ongoing research on the issue.
- International Network to Promote the Rule of Law (INPROL)
INPROL is a web-based worldwide network of rule of law practitioners and experts created to support practitioners in the field. Through INPROL, those confronting the challenge of building the rule of law in post-conflict states can access some 800 seasoned legal advisors, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, civilian police, stability police, corrections officials, and judicial administrators to get advice and build on the lessons of prior experiences. The network also provides access to an extensive library of primary and secondary documents pertaining to a broad range of rule of law topics.
- Constitution Making, Peacebuilding, and National Reconciliation
This project was launched in 2001 to provide guidance and practical tools to policymakers, negotiators and practitioners involved in constitution-making processes.
- Transitional Justice
How can a country emerging from conflict or repression deal with the legacy of past abuses? How should it approach justice and reconciliation, war crimes, and the search for truth? USIP has helped shape the field of transitional justice through research, publications, policy advice and grant-funded work.
- International Law and Armed Conflict
Rule of Law is examining the evolving legal and institutional arrangements for addressing violations of international humanitarian law (IHL). As part of this ongoing effort, USIP has just produced a guide to training programs in IHL for military personnel around the world.
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