A Global Judicial News Report: September 2025
Judicature International (2025) | An online-only publication
Pictured Above: “No one is safe when human rights are under attack,” UN rights chief Volker Türk told the Human Rights Council, warning that the rules of war are being shredded. Photo of the United Nations sign at the entrance to the Palace of Nations, Geneva, Switzerland. (Credit: iStockphoto / Askolds)
In the News
United Nations 🌐 —
UN rights chief denounces ‘glorification of violence’ and attacks on rule of law
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk condemned a global “glorification of violence” and coordinated attacks on fundamental rights, warning that rules of war are being undermined. Speaking to the Human Rights Council, he highlighted crises from Afghanistan and Myanmar to Gaza and Sudan, and called on states to uphold international law, protect human rights, and maintain multilateral agreements as the foundation of peace and global order. (UN News, 09/08/2025) Keep Reading »
United States 🇺🇸—
U.S. Imposes Sanctions Palestinians Requesting Israel War Crimes Probe
The U.S. imposed sanctions on three Palestinian human rights organizations — Gaza-based Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, and the Ramallah-based Al-Haq — after they petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Israel for alleged genocide in Gaza. (Reuters, 09/04/25) Keep Reading »
Federal Courts Want More Money From Congress for Security
Federal courts struggle with rising threats against judges. House Republicans proposed legislation that adds $58 million for U.S. Marshals Service operations and Supreme Court protection, as well as $30 million for lawmakers’ security. However, the bill excludes dedicated funding for protecting lower-court judges, even as threats against them have sharply increased. (The New York Times, 09/16/25) Keep Reading »
India 🇮🇳 —
India’s Top Court Suspends Parts of Contentious Muslim Property Law
India’s Supreme Court paused key parts of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, which reshapes how properties donated by Muslims are owned and managed in India. The justices blocked provisions that gave the government power to decide waqf ownership and to require donors to prove years of religious practice, calling them unconstitutional. The court also limited the number of non-Muslim members on wafq boards. (BBC, 09/15/25) Keep Reading »
Brazil 🇧🇷 —
Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Plotting Coup in Brazil
Brazil’s Supreme Court convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro of plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election. He was sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in prison, marking the first time in Brazil’s history that a former president has been convicted of trying to overturn democratic institutions. (The New York Times, 09/11/25) Keep Reading »
Ghana 🇬🇭 —
Ghana Chief Justice Sacked Over Allegations of Misuse of Public Funds
Ghana’s President removed Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo from the Supreme Court. The investigation committee found that the former Chief Justice had misused public funds for personal expenditures, such as travel for her spouse and daughter. In Ghana, she is the first sitting chief justice to be investigated and dismissed. The former justice still has an opportunity to appeal her removal. (BBC, 09/02/25) Keep Reading »
Thailand 🇹🇭 —
Thai Court Orders Thaksin, Ex-Premier, to Serve a Year in Prison
The Thai Supreme Court ordered the former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, to serve a year in prison for previous convictions. Shinawatra, who had been ousted in a coup, was previously convicted in absentia on corruption charges. (The New York Times, 09/08/25) Keep Reading »
The September 2025 Global Judicial News Report was compiled and written by Polina Solovyeva, a JD candidate at Duke Law School and a Student Editor for Judicature International.