Rule of Law

The concept of the Rule of Law is fundamental to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, SDG 16 aspires to "promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels." The Rule of Law is a foundation for all these aims.

The Rule of Law represents a principle of governance that all persons, institutions, entities, public and private, including the state itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated. In the context of SDGs, the Rule of Law ensures equitable access to justice (SDG 16.3), strengthens corruption-free institutions (SDG 16.5), and nurtures peaceful societies (SDG 16.1).

Equal access to justice under the Rule of Law is central to reducing inequalities (SDG 10) and ensuring no one is left behind. It safeguards individuals' rights, including those of vulnerable groups like women, children, and marginalized communities, facilitating their access to basic services and protection, thereby helping achieve goals related to poverty eradication (SDG 1), good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), and gender equality (SDG 5).

The Rule of Law is also intrinsic to building effective, accountable institutions (SDG 16.6). These institutions play a pivotal role in providing public services, managing public resources, and upholding civil rights. When corruption, bribery, theft, and tax evasion are substantially reduced (SDG 16.5), resources can be appropriately allocated to support sustainable development initiatives.

Moreover, peaceful societies, a primary aim of SDG 16, are facilitated by the Rule of Law. A society where laws are respected and fairly applied fosters an environment of security and stability. It deters violent conflict, promotes human rights, and encourages social and economic development.

A new criminal corporate offence of failing to prevent facilitation of tax evasion comes into effect on 30 September 2017 in the UK. This development supports SDG 8 Decent work and economic growth and SDG 16 Peace, justice and strong institutions.
Large employers in the UK with a financial year running from April to March should be gearing up to publish their second annual modern slavery statement by the end of September 2017. Modern slavery statements support SDG 8.7 to take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking.
LexisNexis Legal & Professional,

 LexisNexis Australia, 8 August 2017

Justice Chandra (centre), Ana Cobona, Amelia Tukuwasa, Marie Chan, Myfanwy Wallwork
The goal of SDG 16.3, to promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and to ensure equal access to justice for all, relies to a large extent on access to the primary materials. The stability of the legal system of a State is usually assessed by the availability of its laws and their application and LexisNexis is proud to have been chosen as a partner to continue publication of the authorised Fiji Law Reports. Partnership for the goals is key to their success, as envisaged by SDG 17.
To mark US Independence Day 2017, LexisNexis Legal & Professional has released new data for 98 countries indicating that the stronger a country’s rule of law, the greater it performs against measures of life expectancy, civil liberty, and happiness. This helps to demonstrate how SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions underpins all of the SDGs.
Media has an important role to play in tracking progress towards the SDGs. The Human Rights Around the World and In the Media News Tracker provides a valuable tracking tool to chart the SDGs and their progress across the globe. This tool provides insights that will benefit all of the SDGs and in particular the targets set for SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
Terry Jennings speaking at the Wilson Center about the Rule of Law
The role of private enterprise and the rule of law was explored in a series of panel discussions at the Wilson Center in Washington DC on 17 May 2017. A range of expert panelists from across business and academia share their insights and initiatives, including Terry Jennings, Head of Rule of Law Development at LexisNexis Legal & Professional. Furthering the discourse on the rule of law is a vital component of SDG 16.3 to promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
Lawyers from the Juris Pilot travel to Myanmar to deliver training
The burgeoning economy in Myanmar is creating much opportunity in the country but this is putting a strain on the judicial system which is trying to keep pace with development. The Juris Pilot addresses the need for greater knowledge of international contract law by training government legal staff. Sharing knowledge between professionals advances SDG 16.3 to promote the rule of law at the national and international levels.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions,

LexisNexis Risk Soluions, 16 May 2017

LexisNexis partnered with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) to develop the Automated Delivery of Alerts on Missing Children Programme, known as ADAM. SDG 16.2 aims is to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children and the ADAM Programme provides a simple solution to engage citizens, businesses and organisations in finding missing children in the US. Watch two videos about the ADAM Programme.
CLA President R Santhanakrishnan, winner of the award Thuli Madonsela, Nigel Roberts (LexisNexis) and past President Alex Ward
The 20th Commonwealth Law Conference took place in Melbourne in March 2017 with LexisNexis as the lead sponsor, and hosted by Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) in association with the Law Institute of Victoria. The CLC brings together delegates from over 50 countries to meet and learn, as well as to recognise lawyers who champion the rule of law. Such exchanges between lawyers support SDG 16. 3 to promote the rule of law at the national and international levels.
This article explores how lawyers can work together to increase social mobility and diversity within the legal profession. Julian Sayarer talks to Chris White, founder of Aspiring Solicitors, Chris Benn, lawyer at Kemp Little, Barry Matthews, an in-house lawyer with ITV, and Toby Hornett, legal director at Canon – Europe about the role in house teams play in promoting diversity and access, contributing to SDG 10, reduced inequalities.

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