Cover Photo: Chaeng Watthana Government Complex, Thailand (Photo credit: CC By-SA 3.0)
To commemorate the 80th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Thai Government constructed the Chaeng Watthana Government Complex, completing construction in 2008 and holding the opening ceremony in 2010.
The 138-acre complex is divided into three distinct zones consisting of two government buildings. The first government building houses the judicial branches of the Thai Government, including the administrative courts, Constitutional Court, Courts of Justice, and the Office of the Attorney General. The second government building contains offices for Thailandâs governmental agencies, such as the Ministries of Finance, Foreign Affairs, Economy, and the Prime Minister’s Office.
â Andrew Cunningham, Student Editor
United States 🇺🇸
Kenya 🇰🇪
Kenya’s High Court has declared the criminalization of attempted suicide unconstitutional, characterizing it as a mental health issue as opposed to a criminal act. A statute previously imposed penalties of up to two yearsâ imprisonment for attempted suicide. Human rights organizations have noted that the decision will encourage individuals facing mental health challenges to seek support without fear of legal consequences. (The Guardian, 01/10/25) Keep Reading »
Venezuela 🇻🇪
Venezuelaâs attorney general has requested an arrest warrant and Interpol red notice against opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez. Recently, Lopez stated on X that military intervention in Venezuela should âseriously be consideredâ in response to what many international observers have called an undemocratic election. Previously imprisoned for leading anti-government protests, Lopez has lived in exile in Spain since 2020. (Reuters, 01/13/25) Keep Reading »
Brazil 🇧🇷
The Brazilian government has expressed âserious concernâ about Metaâs recently announced changes to its hate speech policy, stressing that the changes likely fail to comply with the countryâs legislation. While the government did not immediately clarify which aspects of Metaâs policies might be illegal, it stated that the changes âcould represent fertile ground for the violation of laws that protect the fundamental rights of Brazilian citizens.â In response, Meta indicated that the easing of restrictions on speech concerning contentious topics was aimed at securing greater freedom of expression. Last year, the social media platform X was temporarily suspended in Brazil for failing to comply with local law. (Reuters, 01/14/25) Keep Reading »
European Union 🇪🇺
The EUâs Commissioner for Enlargement has emphasized that any expansion of the Union will be based on merit rather than geopolitics, as Ukraine and Moldova face significant challenges in their accession negotiations. Ukraine has encountered opposition from Slovakia and Hungary, while Moldovaâs ties to Russia have raised EU concerns about its stability and ability to integrate with member states. (Euro News, 01/14/25) Keep Reading »
The EUâs investigation into U.S. Big Tech companies for potentially breaching competition laws has been questioned, particularly in light of President Trumpâs return to the White House. However, the EU Commissioner for Policy has emphasized its commitment to tech regulation. U.S. tech leaders, including Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, have recently said that European regulations stifle innovation, with both calling on Trump to prevent the EU from fining U.S. tech companies. (Reuters, 01/14/25) Keep Reading »
Thailand 🇹🇭
Thailand’s cabinet has approved a draft law that would legalize gambling and casinos, a move aimed at boosting tourism, jobs, and investment. Since 1935, nearly all forms of gambling have been restricted in Thailand, which has led to widespread illegal and unregulated gambling. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said the new bill would help reduce illegal gambling and bolster tourism. (The Diplomat, 01/14/25) Keep Reading »
Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
Zimbabweâs ruling party seeks to extend President Mnangagwa’s term by two years until 2030, despite the constitutional two-term limit. Mnangagwa’s second and final term is set to end in 2028. Constitutional lawyers argue that such changes would require two referenda: one to scrap the term limits and another to remove the provision preventing incumbents from benefiting from amendments. Since 1990, 24 African governments have attempted to extend presidential rule beyond constitutional limits, with 20 of them successfully removing the two-term ceiling. (Reuters, 01/14/25) Keep Reading »
Mozambique 🇲🇿
Following a disputed election, which Western observers say was not free and fair, Daniel Chapo of Mozambique’s Frelimo party was sworn in as president. Since the vote, more than 300 people have been killed in clashes with security forces. In his inaugural address, Chapo pledged to focus on social stability, reducing the size of government, and prioritizing health and education. (Reuters, 01/15/25) Keep Reading »
Editor’s Note: Judicial news related to the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump will be included in the February 2025 news report.
The January 2025 Global Judicial News Report was compiled and written by Andrew Cunningham, an LLM candidate at Duke Law School and a Student Editor for Judicature International. He also serves as a judicial extern to Judge Jeffery Carpenter of the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Prior to Duke, Andrew completed his LL.B. at Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), where he graduated first in his class and was the recipient of the Henry Hamilton Hunter Memorial Prize.
