The INSTITUTE FOR JUSTICE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT is a research, development, and technical assistance organization that seeks to develop international standards for the administration of law, and in turn provide practical support to governments whose justice systems are in transition or post-conflict reconstruction. The Institute also aims to provide assistance to the agencies, institutions, and practitioners that engage in international development projects in the justice sector.  

The Institute was established in June of 2006 with the support and guidance of the Lord Mayor of The Hague, and maintains offices in the Netherlands and the United States.  

As its first mission, the Institute will organize, articulate, and publish international standards for the administration of justice sector institutions in transitional and post-conflict societies. The structure of this process is outlined under International Standards. This project will address the administration of both criminal and non-criminal law. The Institute's main concern is not to develop the theory of law, but rather to enhance the capacity of institutions to enforce law.

Moreover, it is not the intent of the Institute to duplicate work already in progress, but rather to produce a consensus for achieving internationally accepted standards of public administration and governance. Numerous agencies and governments currently employ diverse approaches to justice sector development that would benefit from shared knowledge and coordination.

Similarly, the funding strategies of justice sector initiatives are often scattered and conflicting. The Institute seeks to advance the capacity for coordination between donor countries and thereby increase the efficiency and effectiveness of development initiatives.

Justice and the Rule of Law exist as the foundation for democracy. The design and management of the public institutions that administer justice and enforce the rule of law are critical to the credibility of any democratic state and its economic prosperity. In a true democracy, these institutions are independent and transparent. In order to be so, they must have the proper foundations.

Much has been achieved and many lessons have been learned over the past decades in the numerous projects devoted to building independent and transparent justice systems around the world. Some of these initiatives have come after armed conflict, and some after peaceful transformation. Now is an opportune time to advance the Rule of Law by organizing that body of knowledge and articulating clear standards to govern these initiatives by international consensus. It is an undertaking of monumental proportions that will continue well into the future.

The staff at the Institute is currently compiling a comprehensive list of those entities engaged in the field and the work that has been done. Those individuals or organizations wishing to participate are welcome and encouraged to contact the Institute.

This site will serve as a resource and research tool for those engaged in the development or transformation of justice systems. The work coordinated by the Institute will be published in the public domain on this site. Any suggestions and assistance in building and improving this site's utility would be greatly appreciated by the staff of the Institute.