This interview delves into Morijn's journey as a rule of law activist within academia. Initially drawn to law due to his linguistic skills, Morijn’s career evolved from civil service to academia, driven by a passion for justice and liberal democracy. He discusses the inherent tensions between majority rule and minority rights within liberal democracy, emphasising the need for proponents to articulate their beliefs more compellingly. Morijn highlights the importance of understanding and explaining these tensions to counter the well-organised narratives of democracy’s opponents. He reflects on personal inspirations, including encounters with influential figures like Judge Igor Tuleya and a Hungarian government official, which propelled him to speak out. Morijn underscores the role of legal scholars in defending the rule of law, stressing that silence is not neutral and scholars must actively engage in public discourse. He advocates for media engagement to simplify complex issues and reach a broader audience. The interview concludes with Morijn’s admiration for individuals who prioritise public interests over personal gains, embodying the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

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‘Democracy Is a More Complicated Story to Defend Than to Attack’. Interview with John Morijn

  • Guillaume François Larouche

摘要

This interview delves into Morijn's journey as a rule of law activist within academia. Initially drawn to law due to his linguistic skills, Morijn’s career evolved from civil service to academia, driven by a passion for justice and liberal democracy. He discusses the inherent tensions between majority rule and minority rights within liberal democracy, emphasising the need for proponents to articulate their beliefs more compellingly. Morijn highlights the importance of understanding and explaining these tensions to counter the well-organised narratives of democracy’s opponents. He reflects on personal inspirations, including encounters with influential figures like Judge Igor Tuleya and a Hungarian government official, which propelled him to speak out. Morijn underscores the role of legal scholars in defending the rule of law, stressing that silence is not neutral and scholars must actively engage in public discourse. He advocates for media engagement to simplify complex issues and reach a broader audience. The interview concludes with Morijn’s admiration for individuals who prioritise public interests over personal gains, embodying the principles of democracy and the rule of law.