Who we are

The World Justice Project (WJP) is an independent, non-profit organization working to advance the rule of law for the development of communities of opportunity and equity. The WJP’s multinational, multidisciplinary efforts are dedicated to developing practical programs in support of the rule of law around the world. Our work is based on two complementary premises: the rule of law is the foundation for communities of opportunity and equity, and multidisciplinary collaboration is the most effective way to advance the rule of law. 

The World Justice Project began as an American Bar Association (ABA) presidential initiative in 2006 under the leadership of then President-elect William H. Neukom.  Concerned that the rule of law was under threat in the United States and abroad, he was inspired to create a means to bring together different actors—in new ways—to advance the rule of law. The World Justice Project became an independent 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization in 2009. 

The WJP’s headquarters is located in Washington, DC, but its programs take place all over the world. 

What we do

The World Justice Project works to advance the rule of law around the world. Our work consists of three complementary and mutually reinforcing program areas: Mainstreaming, Rule of Law Index and Scholarship. The Mainstreaming programs assemble world leaders through the WJP’s global and regional meetings, and disperse seed grants for rule of law projects through the WJP Opportunity Fund. The Rule of Law Index^® provides detailed information and original data regarding a variety of dimensions of the rule of law, which enables stakeholders to assess a nation’s adherence to the rule of law in practice. The Scholarship program supports the contributions made by scholars, policymakers, civil society leaders, and other interested persons about the importance of the rule of law to various professional disciplines.