Autocratic Legalism Kim Lane Scheppele Upd Page

The process begins with a charismatic leader winning a free and fair election. Armed with a genuine electoral mandate, the leader claims to speak directly for the "will of the people". Any constitutional constraint, judicial block, or legislative oversight is framed as an anti-democratic obstruction by entrenched elites. The autocrat presents their legal reforms as a necessary campaign to streamline governance and fulfill popular demands. 3. Exploiting Constitutional Fragilities

Implementing regulations or tax laws that target critical media outlets or consolidate state-aligned media. autocratic legalism kim lane scheppele upd

“The trick is to use the law to kill the law,” Scheppele wrote. “No one can say you violated the rules if you changed the rules first.” The process begins with a charismatic leader winning

The rise of autocratic legalism poses significant threats to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Some of the dangers include: The autocrat presents their legal reforms as a