The World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index® provides original, impartial data on how the rule of law is experienced by the general public in 102 countries around the globe.
The WJP Rule of Law Index 2015® relies on over 100,000 household and 2,400 expert surveys to measure how the rule of law is experienced in practical, everyday situations by ordinary people around the world. Performance is assessed using 44 indicators across eight categories, each of which is scored and ranked globally and against regional and income peers: Constraints on Government Powers, Absence of Corruption, Open Government, Fundamental Rights, Order and Security, Regulatory Enforcement, Civil Justice, and Criminal Justice.
The WJP Rule of Law Index is the most comprehensive index of its kind and the only to rely solely on primary data. The Index’s scores are built from the assessments of local residents (1,000 respondents per country) and local legal experts, ensuring that the findings reflect the conditions experienced by the population, including marginalized sectors of society.
About the World Justice Project
The World Justice Project (WJP) is an independent, multidisciplinary organization working to advance the rule of law around the world. The rule of law is the foundation for communities of peace, opportunity, and equity—underpinning development, accountable government, and respect for fundamental rights.
Our work engages citizens and leaders from across the globe and from multiple work disciplines to advance the rule of law. Through our mutually-reinforcing lines of business of Research and Scholarship, the WJP Rule of Law Index®, and Engagement, WJP seeks to increase public awareness about the foundational importance of the rule of law, stimulate policy reforms, and develop practical, on-the-ground programs. Learn more about the rule of law and our work at: worldjusticeproject.org.
| 1.1 | Government powers are effectively limited by the legislature |
| 1.2 | Government powers are effectively limited by the judiciary |
| 1.3 | Government powers are effectively limited by independent auditing and review |
| 1.4 | Government officials are sanctioned for misconduct |
| 1.5 | Government powers are subject to non-governmental checks |
| 1.6 | Transition of power is subject to the law |
| 2.1 | Government officials in the executive branch do not use public office for private gain |
| 2.2 | Government officials in the judicial branch do not use public office for private gain |
| 2.3 | Government officials in the police and the military do not use public office for private gain |
| 2.4 | Government officials in the legislative branch do not use public office for private gain |
| 3.1 | Publicized laws and government data |
| 3.2 | Right to information |
| 3.3 | Civic participation |
| 3.4 | Complaint mechanisms |
| 4.1 | Equal treatment and absence of discrimination |
| 4.2 | The right to life and security of the person is effectively guaranteed |
| 4.3 | Due process of law and rights of the accused |
| 4.4 | Freedom of opinion and expression is effectively guaranteed |
| 4.5 | Freedom of belief and religion is effectively guaranteed |
| 4.6 | Freedom from arbitrary interference with privacy is effectively guaranteed |
| 4.7 | Freedom of assembly and association is effectively guaranteed |
| 4.8 | Fundamental labor rights are effectively guaranteed |
| 5.1 | Crime is effectively controlled |
| 5.2 | Civil conflict is effectively limited |
| 5.3 | People do not resort to violence to redress personal grievances |
| 6.1 | Government regulations are effectively enforced |
| 6.2 | Government regulations are applied and enforced without improper influence |
| 6.3 | Administrative proceedings are conducted without unreasonable delay |
| 6.4 | Due process is respected in administrative proceedings |
| 6.5 | The government does not expropriate without lawful process and adequate compensation |
| 7.1 | People can access and afford civil justice |
| 7.2 | Civil justice is free of discrimination |
| 7.3 | Civil justice is free of corruption |
| 7.4 | Civil justice is free of improper government influence |
| 7.5 | Civil justice is not subject to unreasonable delay |
| 7.6 | Civil justice is effectively enforced |
| 7.7 | ADR is accessible, impartial, and effective |
| 8.1 | Criminal investigation system is effective |
| 8.2 | Criminal adjudication system is timely and effective |
| 8.3 | Correctional system is effective in reducing criminal behavior |
| 8.4 | Criminal system is impartial |
| 8.5 | Criminal system is free of corruption |
| 8.6 | Criminal system is free of improper government influence |
| 8.7 | Due process of law and rights of the accused |