Institute for Justice

The Trump administration is preparing new sanctions against the International Criminal Court as part of an escalating effort to undermine the Hague-based tribunal, the Wall Street Journal reports. The move escalates a long-running conflict between Washington and the court, which has pursued cases involving US allies and American personnel. Critics see it as an attack on international justice, while supporters argue the court overreaches against the United States.

Germany's foreign minister visited the International Criminal Court in The Hague, pledging Berlin's full support for the institution despite US sanctions imposed under the Trump administration. The visit signals Germany's continued commitment to international justice, though it comes after Berlin also announced its own sanctions targeting ICC officials, creating a mixed picture of Europe's stance toward the court.

The U.S. government's sanctions on the International Criminal Court in early 2025 had swift, far-reaching effects. The measures cut off the ICC's chief prosecutor's access to Microsoft services, including email, highlighting how deeply dependent international institutions are on American technology firms. Observers say the episode raises questions about digital sovereignty and the vulnerability of global justice bodies to unilateral US pressure.

Venezuela's government and opposition have agreed to work together towards reforming the country's Supreme Court, one of the most contested institutions in the country's political crisis. The two sides appointed a committee to review how justices are selected, a step watchers see as a rare instance of cooperation between the rival camps, though scepticism remains about whether it will lead to real change.

The Justice Department has filed an appeal against a court ruling concerning the Kennedy Center, acting ahead of a deadline to remove President Trump's name from the institution. The case centers on the legal fight over the venue's naming, with the impending deadline adding urgency to the government's move. Details of the lower court's decision were not immediately available.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is traveling to The Hague for a visit to the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, combined with discussions on the EU's budget strategy. The trip underlines Germany's positioning on international justice institutions at a time when they face political pressure, while Berlin weighs its stance on the European Union's next long-term budget.

The Institute for Justice, a US public interest law firm, has announced the launch of a new Education Entrepreneurship Project, timed to the back-to-school season. The initiative is aimed at supporting people who want to start their own educational ventures, such as schools, tutoring services or other learning businesses. Details about the project's programs and activities remain limited in the initial announcement.

Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett took part in a dedication ceremony for Benedictine College's new library in Atchison, Kansas. The Catholic liberal arts college marked the opening of the facility with the justice as a featured guest. The event drew local coverage, with attention focused on Barrett's continued public appearances at religious-affiliated institutions since joining the Supreme Court.