About Us

Lawyers and Democratic Decline (LADD) is a collaborative research project that brings together scholars studying the role of lawyers in countries experiencing democratic decline or already in the throes of authoritarianism. The evolution away from democracy towards authoritarianism is visible in virtually every corner of the world.

Also becoming visible are trends in the opposite direction as resistance grows to these authoritarian efforts. Lawyers play a central role in these processes as well as in the institutions of authoritarian regimes. Their training and experience provides them with tools either to resist or facilitate the transition. In countries undergoing transition, lawyers are engaged one way or the other, though many opt to sit on the sidelines.

LADD is committed to encouraging scholarship on all lawyer roles, looking at all forms of action and inaction and at all types of lawyers from criminal defense lawyers, prosecutors, and corporate lawyers to human rights defenders. The goal is to identify factors that influence lawyers’ behavior and to map patterns of behavior that are common across geographic borders and/or political systems.

For more on the goals of the project, see this interview with LADD’s director, Professor Kathryn Hendley or listen to her conversation on the 1050 Bascom podcast.