Georgetown University Receives Inaugural Rainer Arnold Prize for Strengthening the Rule of Law

The World Jurist Association and the World Law Foundation are honoring the international achievements of the legal scholar from the University of Regensburg, who died in 2025, by establishing the «Rainer Arnold Prize for Strengthening the Rule of Law.»

The World Jurist Association (WJA) and the World Law Foundation (WLF) have established the Rainer Arnold Prize for Strengthening the Rule of Law : The prize recognizes outstanding achievements in constitutional research in the field of law.

The prize, named after Professor Dr. Rainer Arnold , long-time holder of the Chair of Public Law, Comparative Law, EC Law, Economic Administrative Law, and Foreign Public Law at the Faculty of Law of the University of Regensburg, reflects the international reputation of the Regensburg legal scholar, who passed away in early 2025. (Photo: Barbara Arnold)

Rainer Arnold’s wife, Barbara Arnold , accepted the award at the 29th Congress of the World Law Association in Santo Domingo/Dominican Republic in May 2025.

The Rainer Arnold Prize will in future honor universities, institutions, research groups, judges, professors and distinguished personalities from the legal and social sciences who have made a significant contribution to defending and strengthening the rule of law worldwide.

The WJA Executive Board and the WLF Board of Trustees are responsible for selecting the award winners. At the first award ceremony in May 2025, Georgetown University was honored in recognition of its global contribution to the rule of law. Guests at the event in Santo Domingo included Barbara Arnold, the President of the German Federal Constitutional Court , the Dean of the Georgetown University Law School, and Felipe VI, King of Spain .

«Over the past three decades, Rainer Arnold has played a decisive role in shaping European constitutionalism and has distinguished himself as a prominent ambassador for the rule of law, particularly in the context of post-communist transitions in Central and Eastern Europe.»

«He emphasized the European Union as a community based on law and common values ​​and consistently advocated for stronger legal and institutional mechanisms to safeguard these principles,» says the World Law Association.

(From left) Dr. Javier Cremades (President of the World Law Association), Stephan Harbarth (President of the Federal Constitutional Court of the Federal Republic of Germany), Prof. William M. Treanor (Dean of the Georgetown University Law Faculty), Barbara Arnold, Antonia Arnold-Costanzo, and Prof. Luca Mezzetti, University of Bologna.

In his work, Arnold emphasized the importance of civic participation and judicial independence as cornerstones of the rule of law. He was also involved in drafting the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, proclaimed in 2000.

“In recognition of his profound influence, this award is intended to honor those who carry on his legacy by promoting the values ​​he espoused,” the citation reads.

The prize is awarded every two years during the World Law Congress and serves as a lasting tribute to Professor Rainer Arnold’s life and work, as well as an inspiration for future generations working for justice and peace.

To further honor the scientist’s memory, the award will be accompanied by a monument, a sculpture titled FLAME, created by the artist Carlos Albert . Symbolizing spirituality and hope, the sculpture consists of two steel arches rising like wings, reflecting the award itself. They contrast with the ocean horizon and evoke the universal values ​​of peace and freedom championed by the World Law Congress. The monument will be located on the Malecón of 30 de Mayo Park in Santo Domingo .

You can read the article from the Universität Regensburg by clicking here.