Module 3 Group Discussion (Initial Post Due Mid-Module, Response Post Due End of Module) – SDO 501 Project Group 7

1, Despite so many advancements that our global society has made, there is still injustice under the law. Fortunately, there have been some situations where we see legal justice prevail. One such example that comes to mind showing the (partial) effectiveness of the rule of law was when Nazaha arrested 142 Saudi Arabian officials on corruption charges. Charges were filed on 307 people which included bribery, forgery, and money laundering (Bell, 2023). The intent in this operation was to punish those who exploited public office for their own personal gain, and this was at the expense of the local populace.

Under the rule of law, everyone must be held accountable as subjects to the law. The rule of law must protect individual liberties and maintain order within our society. The rule of law is a safeguard against the arbitrary exercise of power and authority to preserve the principles of justice. The Nazaha is the anti-corruption organization of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and sent a message that no one is immune from the consequences of their misconduct. Of note, all 142 officials were released on bail so we must investigate further as to if this was true accountability or public theater.

In my daily life as a military officer, I see the rule of law ensuring good order and discipline. The military is unique in that we have an additional code of law which is the Uniformed Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). There are clear regulations and punishments for deviations from the rule of law. All should be held accountable. I work with drill sergeants and basic trainees, we see clearly that there is a code of ethic, an organization leader guide, and clear boundaries as to what is tolerated and not tolerated.

I see citizens having two primary roles in promulgating the rule of law. Citizens obey the laws by respecting the rights of others and in doing so strengthen the democratic process of the nation. Motley (2014) saw three reasons for why the rule of law is violated: a legally-uneducated populace, the overriding of rules by tribal or organizational customs, and the lack of people who fight for the laws. The second role of the citizen is to encourage all to understand their legal rights, seek legal counsel, and stand for justice. Maru (2017) encouraged the use of community advocates (paralegals) who helped the people turn the law from a threat into something they could use to protect themselves. This gives legal empowerment to the people.

Within the US, we see the rule of law enshrined in the US Constitution. To improve the rule of law, we must address legal issues, promote equal justice for all, and ensure that all are held accountable – regardless of status. When we look beyond our borders, citizens can promote the rule of law by encouraging their representatives to promote efforts which encourage developing countries to develop and enforce laws that uphold human rights, combat corruption, and protect honest judicial processes. The US sends a tremendous amount of taxpayer funds overseas, and we can enact change by withholding funds to those nations who violate human rights or infringe upon their people’s human rights.