Celebrating another year of bridging theory and practice to address the most essential issues in national security and democratic governance

The Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law (CERL) is thrilled to share its 2025-26 Annual Report, featuring the many accomplishments of the center during its fourteenth year of operation. This report highlights the people, programs, and partnerships that advanced CERL’s mission and amplified its impact.

For the first time, CERL welcomed a litigation and policy fellow to support the center’s new Litigation and Policy Initiative aimed at defending the rule of law through a full range of litigation activities and policy-based consultations. CERL filed four amicus briefs—including one in Trump v. Illinois on behalf of more than 150 members of Congress in the Senate and House of Representatives—and a Freedom of Information Act request during the 25-26 academic year.

“The Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law has been incredibly busy this past year defending the rule of law, educating the public on the basics of democratic governance, and training the next generation of national security professionals to serve their country with a solid foundation in rule of law values. I am proud to continue to lead CERL’s efforts in advancing these aims.”—Prof. Claire Finkelstein, CERL Faculty Director

In addition to broadening its litigation efforts, CERL hosted timely programs and workshop-style conferences on topics ranging from civilian harm mitigation and the use of the military for domestic law enforcement to the evolving nature of the war in Iran. We also engaged over 50 law, graduate, and undergraduate students in our summer internship program and other professional training programs.

“I am proud to serve [as Acting Board Chair] for an organization that is deeply committed to defending the rule of law and the principles that form the bedrock of our democracy.” —Mr. Gary Deutsch, Acting Chair of the Board

We thank the CERL community for your continuing commitment to our mission and support of our work. Join us in looking back at a year of meeting the challenges of our time with action and principled reflection.