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 Award to recognize excellence in constitutional research within the legal field. This prestigious distinction honors universities, institutions, research groups, judges, professors, and distinguished figures in the legal and social sciences who have significantly contributed to the defense and strengthening of the rule of law worldwide.

The award is named in honor of Professor Rainer Arnold (1943–2025), an eminent German jurist specializing in constitutional law. A dedicated academic and professor at the University of Regensburg, Professor Arnold was a steadfast advocate of the WJA and the WLF, serving on the Advisory Board of the latter from its inception.

Over the past three decades, Professor Arnold played a vital role in shaping European constitutionalism, emerging 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 founded on law and shared values, consistently advocating for stronger legal and institutional mechanisms to uphold these principles.

His work underscored the importance of citizen participation and judicial independence as fundamental pillars of the rule of law. Beyond disseminating the principles of German constitutionalism, Professor Arnold was instrumental in the development of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, proclaimed in 2000. He frequently convened leading constitutional scholars from across Europe to exchange knowledge and promote the belief that a constitutional system lacking a core commitment to human dignity cannot truly be considered a state governed by the rule of law.

In recognition of his profound impact, this award seeks to honor those who continue his legacy by promoting the values he championed. It will be presented biennially during the World Law Congress, serving as a lasting tribute to Professor Arnold’s life and work and as an inspiration to future generations striving for justice and peace.

The Board of Directors of the WJA and the Board of trustees of the WLF will be responsible for selecting the laureates. For this inaugural edition, the award has been granted to Georgetown University in recognition of its global contributions to the rule of law. The award ceremony will take place on 6 May, during the 29th edition of the World Law Congress, to be held in Santo Domingo.

To further honor Professor Arnold’s memory, the award will be accompanied by a dedicated monument, a sculpture titled FLAME, created by artist Carlos Albert. The sculpture, symbolizing spirituality and hope, features two steel arches rising upward like wings, echoing the prize itself, standing in contrast with the sea’s horizon and evoking the universal values of peace and freedom upheld by the World Law Congress. The monument will be located along the Malecón of 30 de Mayo Park, in the city of Santo Domingo. Through this award and its symbolism, the WJA and the WLF reaffirm their unwavering commitment to promoting the rule of law and celebrating those who work tirelessly in its defense.