Rule of Law Index: A Visual Synthesis of Global Legal Metrics

By Dan McCarey

The rule of law is a cornerstone of a just and functioning society, ensuring that everyone, including government entities, adheres to laws that are publicly established, evenly applied, and independently adjudicated. Its role as the bedrock for stable governance and the protection of individual rights cannot be overstated.

The World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index annually measures how well countries adhere to this principle, using a wide array of indicators including the constraints on government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, and more. It's a critical tool for understanding and comparing the state of rule of law worldwide.

The challenge was to represent over 40 diverse metrics for each country in a way that was both intuitive and engaging for a global audience.

In a significant collaboration with the World Justice Project (WJP), I was entrusted with the task of redesigning the printed country profiles for their Rule of Law Index. This project wasn't just about data visualization; it was about transforming complex legal and political data into a visually coherent and informative narrative. The challenge was to represent over 40 diverse metrics for each country in a way that was both intuitive and engaging for a global audience.

The original design of the country profiles consisted of multiple radar charts spread across two pages for each country. Recognizing the need for a more streamlined approach, I proposed condensing the information into a single page, using one comprehensive radar chart per country. This shift not only enhanced the readability of the profiles but also ensured a more impactful presentation of the data.

Since its introduction in 2014, this redesigned profile has been in use for almost a decade, underscoring its effectiveness in conveying complex legal data in a clear and efficient manner.

The WJP Rule of Law Index country profile stands as a testament to thoughtful design and innovative problem-solving. These profiles serve as essential tools for education, discussion, and advocacy, promoting the rule of law worldwide. I am proud of my contribution to this significant project and look forward to its ongoing impact.

I am particularly grateful to Matthew Harman, the Chief Communication Officer at the WJP, who contacted me out of the blue and made this work possible. His trust and support in my abilities were instrumental to the success of this project.