World Jurist Association
Highlights

About Us

“A world ruled by law, not force.” This has been the primary goal of the World Jurist Association (WJA) since its founding in 1963. The WJA was formed in response to an international outcry for a free and open forum where judges, lawyers, law professors and other professionals from around the world could work cooperatively to raise public support for the institutions that govern and enforce the administration of international law.

As a non-governmental organization with special consultative status at the UN Economic and Social Council, the WJA finds an alternative method to reach the international community. We have worked closely with governments, non-governmental organizations and international associations to show how nations can constructively use, not forgo, their sovereignty through international law. Through our support, legal decision-makers from around the world work together as individuals, rather than representatives of a particular country, class or ideology.

Today, the WJA is the only nonprofit NGO that gives the citizens of the world a direct voice in the development and administration of international law. We are represented by members in over 140 countries worldwide and list among our supporters many former and current US and foreign leaders as well as over 100 retired and sitting Chief Justices from nations around the world.

The following provides a brief look at the ways in which the WJA has sought to build the foundation for a system of laws that will ensure peace without the use of force. The WJA is committed to its continuation to ensure peace through the Rule of Law for all generations.
Accomplishments

Beginning with the first Congress on the Law of the World, the WJA has achieved many remarkable successes. The congresses continue to provide a forum where individuals from all nations and all areas of the legal profession can gather and exchange ideas and experiences. The results of this dialogue, expressed in the resolutions drafted by each Congress Resolutions Committee and approved by all delegates, is one of the most concrete and enduring accomplishments of the congresses. Every two years, members of the legal profession are given the opportunity to call upon Heads of State and Government to recognize these resolutions and act accordingly. The numerous messages received from these Heads of State and Government, in support and encouragement of the congresses, indicates the value placed upon the resolutions that come out of the Biennial Congress.

The establishment and celebration of World Law Day is another accomplishment of the WJA. President Lyndon Johnson of the United States was the first Head of State to recognize World Law Day. Chief Justice Kisaburo Yokota of Japan, the first Honorary World Chairman of World Law Day, remarked, “The lawyers of the World have marked another important milestone in their struggle toward the great goal of international peace.” Justice Yokota went on to say that World Law Day calls upon the entire world to re-evaluate the place of law in the community of nations and to re-instill in our way of life the rule of law as an ultimate assurance of world peace.

The International Demonstration Trial, another tradition started by the WJA, began in 1971. During the demonstration, hypothetical cases are argued by lawyers from various countries before a panel of Chief Justices of the world. The Demonstration Trials have educated lawyers and laypeople around the world and have shown that law can indeed replace war as the proper forum for decisions of international disputes. The Demonstration Trials give judges a time and place to express their great value to the peace process on a regular biennial basis.