What happens in societies that strive to maintain clear, stable and equal application for all citizens? The graph provides an answer to something that does not need empirical demonstration. Human beings tend to prosper in societies where the administration of laws is positive for citizenship, and where the security for the life and property of people prevails. These conditions create a better environment to generate material well -being.
When the gross domestic product is correlated (GDP) per inhabitant and the score of the index of Rule of lawthe result is a relationship between higher income and a economy that operates within a justice system that works to apply the law in a timely manner, with stable laws, known by citizens, and applied without privileges. In addition, in an environment that seeks to contain acts of violence and ensure property rights and compliance with contracts.
The index of Rule of law It is an instrument that can be improved, however it is a very useful tool that is based on important principles:
Responsibility: Government members are responsible to justice, just like other citizens;
Fair laws: fair and clear laws, of knowledge of the population, stable and applied to all equally;
Open Government: The processes through which the laws are enacted and applied are accessible to all citizens, they are fair and efficient;
Resolution of accessible and impartial justice: application of justice in a timely manner by neutral, competent, independent and ethical criteria.
Have progress occurred in the country? Among the 142 jurisdictions included in the index of Rule of law Of 2024, the Dominican Republic occupied position 86. In 2020, it took place 90. Despite the four scaled positions, the score has remained practically invariable: 0.48 in 2020 and 0.49 in 2024.
In the graph it is possible to realize that Singapore, Ireland and Luxembourg are the largest countries GDP per inhabitant (adjusted by parity of purchasing power), they have high scores in the index and, in addition, are among economies with lower income taxes to companies. The latter must be weighted very seriously. Ireland has a company tax rate of 12.5 %, Luxembourg applies a rate that does not exceed 17.12 %, while in Singapore the rate is 17.0 %.
It would be naive to think that law is a neutral and objective referee. Provided that in any sphere of life policy intervenes it is possible to anticipate distortions and privileges. The important thing is that these are minimal. It is towards that goal that countries must move; And it is one responsibility of civil society serves as a counterweight to any type of political opportunism; An element that has always existed and will exist, because it is part of human behavior by exercising power.
