In some cases, authoritarian leaders will use the judicial system to target their political opponents, silencing dissent and solidifying their control over the country. This can involve everything from trumped-up charges and show trials to the manipulation of laws and regulations to benefit the dictator and his allies. By using the legal system to suppress opposition, dictators can maintain their hold on power for years, if not decades. Societal divisions can also play a role in the rise of dictators. In many cases, authoritarian leaders will exploit existing social tensions and divisions to consolidate their power.
