Shattered Voices: Language, Violence, and the Work of Truth Commissions (Pennsylvania Studies in Human Rights)
Language: English
Published by University of Pennsylvania Press, 2006
Series: Book 1 of 111 - Pennsylvania Studies in Human Rights
- Softcover
- Used
Seller: Textbook Bookie, Little Rock, AR, U.S.A.Textbook Bookie
AbeBooks seller since October 5, 2026
Condition: Used - Fair
£ 7.69
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
Book in Fair condition.
Seller Inventory # 9780812219494-acceptable
- Title
- Shattered Voices: Language, Violence, and the Work of Truth Commissions (Pennsylvania Studies in Human Rights)
- Author
- Phelps, Teresa Godwin
- Publisher
- University of Pennsylvania Press
- Publication year
- 2006
- Condition
- Fair
- Binding
- Paperback
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 081221949X
- ISBN 13
- 9780812219494
- Series
- Book 1 of 111: Pennsylvania Studies in Human Rights
Following periods of mass atrocity and oppression, states are faced with a question of critical importance in the transition to democracy: how to offer redress to victims of the old regime without perpetuating cycles of revenge. Traditionally, balance has been restored through arrests, trials, and punishment, but in the last three decades, more than twenty countries have opted to have a truth commission investigate the crimes of the prior regime and publish a report about the investigation, often incorporating accounts from victims.
Although many praise the work of truth commissions for empowering and healing through words rather than violence, some condemn the practice as a poor substitute for traditional justice, achieved through trials and punishment. There has been until now little analysis of the unarticulated claim that underlies the truth commissions' very existence: that language—in this case narrative stories—can substitute for violence. Acknowledging revenge as a real and deep human need, Shattered Voices explores the benefits and problems inherent when a fragile country seeks to heal its victims without risking its own future.
In developing a theory about the role of language in retribution, Teresa Godwin Phelps takes an interdisciplinary approach, delving into sources from Greek tragedy to Hamlet, from Kant to contemporary theories about retribution, from the Babylonian law codes to the South African Truth and Reconciliation Report. She argues that, given the historical and psychological evidence about revenge, starting afresh by drawing a bright line between past crimes and a new government is both unrealistic and unwise.
When grievous harm happens, a rebalancing is bound to occur, whether it is orderly and lawful or disorderly and unlawful. Shattered Voices contends that language is requisite to any adequate balancing, and that a solution is viable only if it provides an atmosphere in which storytelling and subsequent dialogue can flourish. In the developing culture of ubiquitous truth reports, Phelps argues that we must become attentive to the form these reports take—the narrative structure, the use of victims' stories, and the way a political message is conveyed to the citizens of the emerging democracy.
By looking concretely at the work and responsibilities of truth commissions, Shattered Voices offers an important and thoughtful analysis of the efficacy of the ways human rights abuses are addressed.
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
"About the title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Textbook Bookie
Little Rock, AR, U.S.A.
AbeBooks seller since October 5, 2026
Shipping rates within U.S.A.
| Item | 7 to 14 business days | 3 to 6 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 3.18 | £ 5.23 |
Payment methods
Store description
Your trusted source for textbooks for nearly 28 years. Since 1998, Textbook Bookie and its affiliates have provided quality new and used textbooks at affordable prices. We take pride in accurate listings, fast shipping, and friendly, dependable customer service. Orders received before 12 PM CT ship the same business day. Orders received after 12 PM may ship the same day but are not guaranteed to ship until the next business day. If you have any questions or concerns with your order, please contact us through AbeBooks. We’re always happy to help! Thank you for choosing Textbook Bookie and its affiliates!…
Specialty
TextbooksSeller's business information
Textbook Bookie
AR, U.S.A.
Terms of sale
We have a 14 day return policy. The return must be postmarked within 14 days of the delivery date. If you are unable to have the item postmarked within 14 days of the delivery date, please contact us for further information. Once the item has been returned, we will initiate an item-only refund (shipping costs are non- refundable). The item must be returned in the same condition as it was advertised. Please contact us prior to returning the item if the condition of the item received is not the same as the condition advertised. Items returned to other locations other then the one specified below will be subject to additional restocking fees. Items not postmarked within 14 days of delivery and received back in store during this time will also be subject to additional restocking fees. Please use Media Mail Shipping and obtain return tracking on all items being shipped back for return. Please do not mark the item "Return or Sender" or "Refuse." Please return the item to the address on the returns information for AbeBooks. If you have any questions regarding this return policy, please contact us prior to returning the item. Thank you for your understanding. Textbook Bookie 12123 Kanis Road Little Rock, AR 72211 501-217-4960 textbookbookie@texastext.net Customer Service Manager: Krystin
Right of withdrawal
If you are a consumer you can withdraw from the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.
Information regarding the right of withdrawal
Statutory right to withdraw
You have the right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.
The withdrawal period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the last good or the last lot or piece.
To exercise the right of withdrawal, electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". We will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.
To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period has expired.
Effects of withdrawal
If you withdraw from this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).
We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.
We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to withdraw from this contract.
We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.
We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back, or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.
You shall send back the goods or hand them over to Textbook Bookie, Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S.A., without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your withdrawal from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Exceptions to the right of withdrawal
The right of withdrawal does not apply to:
- The delivery of newspapers, journals or magazines with the exception of subscription contracts; and
- The supply of digital content which is not supplied on a tangible medium (e.g. on a CD or DVD) if you accepted when you placed your order that we could start to deliver it, and that you could not withdraw once delivery had started.
Shipping terms
Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.