Citizen Lawsuit as a Pillar of Democracy and Dignified Justice

Abstract

Citizen Lawsuit is a legal instrument that allows individuals or groups of citizens to file lawsuits against the state or state officials for negligence that harms public interests. This article analyzes the concept, legal basis, challenges, and implementation of citizen lawsuits in Indonesia, with comparative insights from other legal systems, particularly the United States. The research employs a normative legal approach, utilizing primary sources such as legislation, the Indonesian Civil Code, and jurisprudence, alongside secondary sources including legal journals and books. Findings indicate that, although not explicitly regulated, citizen lawsuits have the potential to strengthen democracy and promote dignified justice by enhancing public oversight over government policies. The study recommends strengthening regulations, improving the capacity of legal practitioners, and empowering society to ensure the mechanism is effective and sustainable.