The rule of law is internationally recognized as foundational to peace, justice, respect for
human rights, effective democracy, and sustainable development.
[…] The World Justice Project is pleased to present its 2022 edition of the WJP Rule
of Law Index. The Index offers new data organized into eight factors that encompass the concept
of the rule of law: Constraints on Government Power, Absence of Corruption, Open
Government, Fundamental Rights, Order and Security, Regulatory Enforcement, Civil Justice,
and Criminal Justice. The Index scores for these factors reflect the perspectives and experiences
of more than 154,000 everyday people and 3,600 legal practitioners and other experts in 140
countries and jurisdictions, and they are backed by a rigorous process of validation and analysis.
The results in this report show that adherence to the rule of law fell in 61% of countries over
the past year. These declines are less widespread and extreme than last year’s, when COVID
shutdowns dramatically disrupted justice systems and curtailed civic liberties. Still, the declines
are notable and concerning, with scores for seven of the Index’s eight factors falling in the
majority of countries for the second year in a row. On the positive side, some countries regained
lost ground after recent elections and changes in administration, showing that authoritarian
tendencies can be reversed.
There is still much work to be done to strengthen the rule of law worldwide and to prevent
the arbitrary exercise of power. As a global leader in the rule of law movement, the World
Justice Project reaffirms its commitment to work hand-in-hand with governments, policy
makers, political actors, the private sector, civil society organizations, the media, donors, and
academia to create knowledge, build awareness, and stimulate action to advance the rule
of law worldwide. This edition of the WJP Rule of Law Index is one important contribution to
these efforts.
Dr. Alejandro Ponce
Chief Research Officer
World Justice Project
Publishing year: 2022
Organization: World Justice Project
Additional information: WJP Rule of Law Index (worldjusticeproject.org)
ISBN: 978-1-951330-52-1
