Pro-democracy advocates consisted of both international organizations and local activists, including lawyers, journalists, and politicians, who worked to challenge authoritarian regimes and promote democratic values.
Archive
Cameron (2002), “Democracy and the Separation of Powers: Threats, Dilemmas, and Opportunities in Latin America”
A proposal that advocates for a more activist and inclusive OAS by using past reform efforts as a blueprint to create a commission integrating civil society and political actors to strengthen democratic regional governance.
Cummings (2024), “Lawyers in Backsliding Democracy”
This article argues that lawyers can be key agents of democratic backsliding, using legal tools to erode institutions and legitimize autocracy, and calls for reforms to strengthen the profession’s role in defending democracy.
Scheppele (2018), “Autocratic Legalism”
In backsliding democracies where autocrats manipulate legal systems to entrench power, attorneys play a crucial dual role as defenders of constitutionalism and civic educators, documenting abuses, challenging authoritarian legal reforms, and empowering the public to recognize and resist the legalistic tools of autocracy.
Rosenzweig (2013), “Disappearing Justice: Public Opinion, Secret Arrest and Criminal Procedure Reform in China”
In February 2011, Chinese authorities detained numerous online activists and rights lawyers to suppress potential Arab Spring. This inspired unrest, using harsh interrogation and intimidation tactics, which later sparked public debate and legal critique over China’s criminal procedure laws.
‘Hands Off Our Courts’: California Attorneys Rally Against Trump Administration
On May 1, 2025, attorneys across California rallied in defense of judicial independence as part of the national Law Day of Action. In cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, lawyers gathered to oppose …
These judges ruled against Trump. Then their families came under attack
A new Reuters investigation has uncovered a disturbing wave of threats and harassment directed at U.S. federal judges and their families after rulings against the Trump administration. At least 11 judges and their relatives have …
Top Lawyer Launches Firm to Defend Officials Targeted by Trump Administration
On May 2, 2025, prominent attorney Abbe Lowell—known for representing Hunter Biden—announced the launch of Lowell & Associates, a new law firm dedicated to defending former government officials and institutions facing politically motivated investigations under …
Federal Judge Strikes Down Trump Order Targeting Perkins Coie
On May 2, 2025, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell permanently struck down an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump that targeted the law firm Perkins Coie. The order, which revoked security clearances and …
Student Amicus Brief Signals Recruitment Troubles for Firms Making Deals With Trump
Over 1,100 law students—30% from top 14 law schools—signed an amicus brief supporting Susman Godfrey’s lawsuit challenging a Trump executive order that threatens its attorneys and clients. The brief signals growing student resistance toward Big …