Jamaica Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Jamaica's rule of law was -0.02 in 2025, ranked 99th globally. This represents a 87.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Jamaica's rule of law stood at -0.02 in 2025, a rise of +0.15 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.02 by 2025. Jamaica ranked 99th globally.
Jamaica’s Rule of Law score on the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators has risen steadily from a low of –0.34 in 1996 to an all‑time peak of –0.02 in 2025, placing the island nation at rank 99 globally. The improvement follows a pronounced trough of –0.50 in 2003, after which successive reforms in the justice sector and anti‑corruption measures appear to have narrowed the gap with peers such as Moldova, which also records –0.02, and Indonesia at –0.04. Over the 26‑year coverage period, the modest upward trajectory reflects incremental gains in judicial independence, contract enforcement and public confidence, yet the score remains below zero, indicating persistent challenges relative to higher‑ranking jurisdictions. Continued investment in legal infrastructure, capacity‑building for courts and stronger enforcement of property rights could accelerate progress, potentially moving Jamaica into the positive range of the index in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.02 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.02 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.02 | +0.15 | #99 |
| 2023 | -0.17 | −0.10 | #112 |
| 2022 | -0.07 | +0.13 | #97 |
| 2021 | -0.20 | +0.05 | #108 |
| 2020 | -0.24 | +0.07 | #110 |
| 2019 | -0.31 | −0.09 | #113 |
| 2018 | -0.22 | −0.08 | #106 |
| 2017 | -0.13 | +0.04 | #101 |
| 2016 | -0.17 | +0.02 | #103 |
| 2015 | -0.19 | +0.05 | #101 |
| 2014 | -0.24 | +0.08 | #105 |
| 2013 | -0.32 | +0.03 | #110 |
| 2012 | -0.35 | +0.02 | #112 |
| 2011 | -0.37 | +0.06 | #114 |
| 2010 | -0.43 | −0.03 | #120 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Jamaica matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Jamaica's rule of law was -0.02 in 2025. Ranked 99th globally. This represents a 87.9% increase from the previous year.
Jamaica's rule of law peaked at -0.02 in 2025.
The lowest rule of law in Jamaica was -0.50 in 2003.
Jamaica ranks 99th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Jamaica's rule of law is projected to reach -0.02 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Jamaica in 2025 was -0.02. This ranks 99th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_jamaica_rule-of-law,
title = {Jamaica Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/jamaica/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}