RULE OF LAW

 
A well-functioning democracy benefits from predictable, legally enforceable norms of state behavior.

Legal certainty assesses the extent to which executive actions are predictable (i.e., can be expected by reference to existing law). Judicial review evaluates the strength of scrutiny given by courts to the executive’s actions and norms. The efficacy of this review in turn depends on the appointment process for high justices themselves – judges put in place through a transparent, cooperative process can be better trusted to render independent verdicts than those appointed solely by a single government actor, for example.

Corruption prevention looks at the means by which the state and society prevent public servants and politicians from accepting bribes, and at any mechanisms in place aimed at guaranteeing officeholder integrity.