IPSA RC09 Work-in-Progress Session: Courts, Power, and the Rule of Law
Online — University of Texas at Austin, Austin
The IPSA Work-in-Progress Session on "Courts, Power, and the Rule of Law: Comparative Judicial Studies in Contemporary Context" is an online research workshop convened by the Comparative Judicial Studies Research Committee (RC09) of the International Political Science Association (IPSA). It will be held 16–18 July 2026, each day from 13:00–17:00 UTC.
The workshop covers the broad field of Comparative Judicial Studies, including the comparative analysis of judicial processes, legal professions, the judiciary, legal doctrines, legal systems, and legal cultures, as well as how these relate to constitutions, executives, legislatures, political parties, federalism, and other sociopolitical dynamics. It particularly welcomes contributions addressing emerging challenges such as the rule of law and war, judicial independence in fragile states, asymmetries of power between private and public actors, courts and migration flows, and backlash against women's and minority rights. Papers drawing on diverse disciplinary perspectives or innovative methodological approaches are especially encouraged.
The format involves 6–12 paper presentations per workshop, with one hour allocated to each paper to encourage in-depth discussion. Participation is limited to paper presenters and chairs. The workshops aim for regional and gender balance and include younger scholars, in line with IPSA's diversity policy. Sessions are intended exclusively for work-in-progress papers and will be kept confidential among participants; final papers are not required.
Researchers wishing to participate should submit a paper proposal by 6 May 2026. Proposals must be in English and include the paper title, an abstract of up to 250 words, and full details for each author (name, email, institutional affiliation, country, and gender), along with confirmation of availability for all sessions on 16–18 July 2026 (13:00–17:00 UTC each day) and agreement to attend all sessions and actively participate in discussions. Accepted presenters must register and upload their paper by 30 June 2026. Participants who engage fully will receive an official certificate of involvement in the 2026 IPSA-WiPS.