PrintRule of Law
part of the Centers of Innovation
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Center Highlights
April 30, 2009 3:00pm - April 30, 2009 4:30pm
Leadership
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Acting Director, Rule of Law Center of Innovation
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Center Specialists
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Senior Rule of Law Adviser, Rule of Law Program
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Senior Rule of Law Advisor, Rule of Law Center of Innovation
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USIP's Rule of Law Center of Innovation conducts research, identifies best practices, and develops new tools for policymakers and practitioners working to promote the rule of law. It has played a significant role in shaping the field and in advancing the rule of law in fragile and post-conflict societies.
The program is based on the premise that adherence to the rule of law entails far more than the mechanical application of static legal technicalities; it requires an evolutionary search for those institutions and processes that will best bring about authentic stability through justice
Programs
In post-conflict societies, the formal justice system is generally weak and may lack legitimacy. Rule of Law is exploring how customary systems of justice can complement the state system, and is assisting three countries to develop an integrated approach to the issue.
The project on Constitution Making, Peacebuilding, and National Reconciliation provides guidance to policymakers, negotiators and practitioners involved in constitution-making processes
How can a country emerging from conflict or repression deal with the legacy of past abuses? How should it approach justice and reconciliation, war crimes, and the search for truth? USIP has helped shape the field of transitional justice through research, publications, policy advice and grant-funded work.
INPROL is a web-based worldwide network of rule of law practitioners and experts created to support practitioners in the field. Through INPROL, those confronting the challenge of building the rule of law in post-conflict states can access some 1,100 seasoned legal advisors, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, civilian police, stability police, corrections officials, and judicial administrators to get advice and build on the lessons of prior experiences. The network also provides access to an extensive library of primary and secondary documents pertaining to a broad range of rule of law topics.
The Model Codes for Post-Conflict Justice is a criminal law reform tool tailored to the needs of countries emerging from conflict.
Time and experience has shown that establishing rule of law in conflict-affected states is a challenging and complex task. It involves a wide range of individuals, organizations and donors; international and national, governmental and non-governmental, military and civilian. To work effectively, practitioners require a myriad of legal and non-legal skills.