William Neukom, Chair, Preston Gates & Ellis

Initiative Session Date: February 3, 2005

Summary:
Mr. Neukom opened by saying he hoped to establish a context for understanding the rule of law and to explain why it matters in our own country and, in particular, in developing countries. He defined rule of law as the existence of rules-based self-government, with a strong and accessible legal system, and an independent bench and bar. Mr. Neukom argued that the rule of law provides the platform for the successful free market of the U.S. economy by creating confidence in a transparent system that supports commerce and creativity. Regular challenges to the openness of the U.S. government were also acknowledged. Attention was then turned to why the rule of law matters in developing countries. Countries with a weak or non-existent rule of law do not have free governments, which leads to inadequate job creation, suffering health and human services and lower levels of literacy and education. Mr. Neukom closed by offering a “formula for opportunity.” There is no shortage of human capacity and productivity – it is evenly distributed around the world. If you add to that an understanding and investment in rule of law, both as a framework for government and a platform for economic activity; and add a superstructure of sound laws, that go to governance, commerce and societal relationships; and finally, top it all off with a government that leads by example, complying with the laws and investing substantial resources to enforce those laws, you will have a community of opportunity, one which permits the achievement of individual human potential.

“The lack of rule of law promotes the growth of poverty. Without rule of law there is no concept of property, no ability for people to get value from their efforts, no systematic means of passing value from generation to generation.”

    – William Neukom, speaking to the Initiative for Global Development

Biography