Where the rule of law is stronger, so is the economy, peace, health, and education. 

When laws are predictable and evenly enforced, investments flow.  

When everyone is held accountable, lifesaving food and medicine reach those who need it.  

And when institutions protect equal rights, marginalized people can progress.   

In a recent op-ed for The Chronicle of Philanthropy, WJP Co-founder and CEO Bill Neukom made the case for investing in rule of law. 

“As we are in the fifth year of the global rule of law decline, businesses have much to offer to reverse this trend,” said WJP Asia Pacific Director Srirak Plipat at the Commonwealth Lawyers Conference in Goa, India.  

“Together, businesses can scale up ESG commitments, articulate standards, and voice concerns and solutions to governments and other intergovernmental bodies.” 

Plipat made his remarks at the Commonwealth Lawyers Conference’s "Special Seminar on the Business Case for Strengthening the Rule of Law," hosted by the Commonwealth Lawyer Association and LexisNexis, a member of the WJP Private Sector Partnership for the Rule of Law.

WJP is proud to work alongside private sector partners who recognize the fundamental importance of the rule of law.

The Legal Intricacies That Could Make or Break the Case Against Trump 

(The New York Times) 

As soon as this week, New York City prosecutors may hand down an indictment against former U.S. President Donald Trump stemming from a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, which was allegedly misrepresented in Trump Organization business records. The New York Times reports that prosecutors may seek higher penalties by claiming the payment also violated federal election law.

The U.S. ranks 38 out of 140 on whether transition of power is subject to the law in the 2022 WJP Rule of Law Index. 
 

Moldova police say they foiled Russia-backed unrest plot 

(Associated Press)  

Police in Moldova say they foiled a Russia-backed plot to foment mass unrest during recent protests against Moldova’s government over aid being sent to Ukraine. In recent years, Moldova has strengthened the rule of law more than any other country, according to the WJP Rule of Law Index (2015-2022). 

Moldova currently ranks 68th out of 140 countries in the Index, while Russia ranks 107th. 
 

Turkey to hold presidential, parliamentary elections on May 14  

(Al Jazeera)  

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently announced that the country’s May 14 elections would go ahead as scheduled, despite the death toll from February’s earthquake exceeding 48,000 people. As of 2023, Erdoğan has been in power for 20 years.

Turkey ranks 131 out of 140 when it comes to confidence in elections and the lawful transfer of power, according to the 2022 WJP Rule of Law Index.