Citizens United Anniversary Renews Rule of Law Debate

The 15th anniversary of the Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court decision has renewed debate over its impact on U.S. campaign finance, with experts highlighting a surge in the influence of wealthy donors and untraceable 'dark money' due to the equating of corporate political spending with free speech. Globally, the World Justice Project reports a continuing seven-year decline in the rule of law, affecting more than half of surveyed countries between 2023 and 2024. In the United States, these concerns are reflected in contentious local legal community elections, such as the politicized D.C. Bar election, which has raised alarms about the increasing partisanship within legal institutions. Law students and practitioners are also considering the long-term implications as legal challenges continue to arise, especially in the wake of President Trump's second term. These developments point to rising anxieties about the erosion of legal norms and the independence of democratic institutions worldwide. Vigilance among legal professionals and citizens is viewed as essential to safeguarding the rule of law.