
The Commonwealth Secretariat’s work in promoting the rule of law is an essential part of its efforts to enhance democracy, good governance and development in member countries.
It works in diverse and multi-faceted areas, covering both today's pressing issues and emerging topics for tomorrow including essential work with member countries on fundamental questions related to legal structures and constitutional reform such as policy development and programmes aimed at the adoption of modern and effective laws, strengthening justice institutions and processes, enhancing capacity to combat crime, both domestic and international and assisting governments in the development of policies, laws and regulatory arrangements that foster private sector development.

The Criminal Law Section carries out the mandates given by Heads of Government and Law Ministers that involve the criminal law.

The Section collaborates closely with other divisions of the Secretariat on issues relating to the rule of law and the promotion of democratic values.

The Law Development Section is responsible for the provision of information services and international legal development issues.

The Commonwealth Secretariat provides assistance with the development of policies, laws and regulatory arrangements that foster private sector development.