In April 2025, JUSTICE submitted its response to the Call for Evidence of the House of Lords’ Constitution Committee inquiry into the rule of law.
The inquiry examines the role education, the media and civic society play in creating a culture that values the rule of law in the UK, and how this affects people’s lives. In our response, we address the Committee’s consultation questions and submit that:
- The rule of law is foundational to democracy, protecting individual rights and restraining arbitrary power. While its definition is multifaceted, frameworks like the Venice Commission’s Rule of Law Checklist and the World Justice Project’s Index help assess institutional integrity and practical access to justice.
- Central to the rule of law is the protection of human rights, equal treatment, legal certainty, and independent judicial oversight.
- Civic society, education, and the media all have roles in strengthening the rule of law. At the same time, is a widespread lack of understanding of the rule of law among the public and politicians, worsened by inadequate legal education and inflammatory rhetoric.
- Media and political attacks on the judiciary erode public trust in the justice system. The senior judiciary also remains unrepresentative, affecting its decision-making quality and further risking public confidence.
- Despite the UK’s strong global ranking for rule of law adherence, several domestic issues undermine the rule of law – for instance, the overuse of skeleton legislation and Henry VIII powers, limited pre- and post-legislative scrutiny, severe cuts to legal aid, court backlogs, and “legal advice deserts” that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. Statutory provisions have also increasingly sought to limit judicial oversight.
- While offering opportunities, unregulated AI risks entrenching bias and undermining accountability.
To redress these issues, in our submission we call for a coordinated effort from all branches of government and society, grounded in education, accountability, and equal access to justice, including by:
- Enhanced civic and legal education, including updated resources for lawmakers, and a statutory entitlement to citizenship education from primary school.
- Investment in the justice system and the restoration of public trust in the justice system and standards in public life.
- The UK effectively advocating for the rule of law globally, leading by example addressing by its domestic shortcomings and adhering to justice system, restoring public trust, and continuing to adhere to international obligations and human rights standards.