America's Criminal Justice System: Essential for the Rule of Law

AUGUST 4, 2018 | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

 

*Please note, this event has now taken place. Please see above for video footage of the event.
 

In the 2017-2018 WJP Rule of Law Index, the United States ranked 19th out of 113 countries surveyed, slipping a point from its ranking the year before. Notably, the U.S. score for “Constraints on Government Powers” edged downward and low marks for the U.S. criminal justice system persisted. As this news and current events raise concerns about the rule of law in the U.S., the World Justice Project is pleased to join the American Bar Association Division of Public Education and Criminal Justice Section to convene “America’s Criminal Justice System: Essential for the Rule of Law” to explore these trends with a particular focus on implications for the criminal justice system.

The program will begin with a keynote conversation and audience Q&A on the importance of the rule of law with Chuck Rosenberg, Senior Counsel at Crowell & Moring. Rosenberg has previously served as Acting Administrator of the DEA, Chief of Staff to FBI Director James Comey, Senior Counsel to Robert Mueller, and as United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Southern District of Texas.

Following an interactive presentation of the latest findings from the WJP Rule of Law Index, an expert panel will discuss crucial issues at the intersection of rule of law and America’s criminal justice system.

Moderator

Stephen Saltzburg, Past Chair, ABA Criminal Justice Section; Wallace and Beverley Woodbury University Professor of Law, Co-director of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Program, The George Washington University Law School

Speakers

Alejandro Ponce, Chief Research Officer, World Justice Project
Jeremy Travis, Executive Vice President of Criminal Justice, Laura and John Arnold Foundation, President of John Jay College of Criminal Justice (2004-2016)
Jennifer Vollen-Katz, Executive Director, John Howard Association
Angel Ysaguirre, Executive Director, Illinois Humanities

This event is open to the public and attendees of the American Bar Association Annual Meeting, with advance registration.

title bar

Read More

title bar
This image of President Jimmy Carter exudes warmth and humility, perfectly reflecting his lifelong commitment to service and justice.

It is with great sadness that the World Justice Project commemorates the passing of our honorary chair, President Jimmy Carter. We celebrate his monumental commitment to the public good through his tireless work to uphold human rights, alleviate suffering, and advance the rule of law around the world. May his long, distinguished, and consequential life of service inspire us all to keep building communities of justice, opportunity, and peace. 

Read More
Graphic featuring the World Justice Project logo and the title '2024 Impact in Review.' The text highlights '15 years of advancing the rule of law through a data-driven, people-centered approach.' The image includes a collage of three photos: a speaker at a podium with the World Justice Project logo, a group of smiling individuals gathered for a photo at an event, and a panel discussion on stage commemorating the organization’s 15th anniversary. The background includes a gradient of purple with subtle scale

As our 15th year comes to a close, we reflect on the singular focus that has guided our journey: understanding that the rule of law shapes the daily experiences of people around the globe. Since 2009, we've delved deep into communities worldwide, asking people to share their perspectives. We’ve learned how the rule of law extends beyond legal institutions to people’s access to justice, opportunity, and peace.  Explore WJP's 2024 highlights, from advancing the rule of law to fostering global collaboration. 

Read More