Transitional Justice and the Rule of Law in New Democracies (Kellogg Institute Series on Democracy and Development)

McAdams, A. James

ISBN 10: 0268042039 / ISBN 13: 9780268042035

Published by University of Notre Dame Press (edition First Edition), 1997

It's a well-cared-for item that has seen limited use. The item may show minor signs of wear. All the text is legible, with all pages included. It may have slight markings and/or highlighting. Seller Inventory # 0268042039-8-1

Synopsis:

This is the first focused study on the relationship between the use of national courts to pursue retrospective justice and the construction of viable democracies. Included in this interdisciplinary volume are fascinating, detailed essays on the experiences of eight countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, and South Africa. According to the contributors, the most important lesson for leaders of new democracies, who are wrestling with the human rights abuses of past dictatorships, is that they have many options.

Democratizing regimes are well-advised to be attentive to the significant political, ethical, and legal constraints that may limit their ability to achieve retribution for past wrongs. On prudential ground alone, some fledgling regimes will have no choice but to restrain their desire for punishment in the interest of political survival. However, it would be incorrect to think that all new democracies are therefore bereft of the political and legal resources needed to bring the perpetrators of egregious human rights violations to justice. In many instances, governments have overcome the obstacles before them and, by appealing to both national and international legal standards, have brought their former dictators to trial. When these judicial proceedings have been properly conducted and insulated from partisan political pressures, they have provided tangible evidence of the guiding principles-equality, fairness, and the rule of law-that are essential to the post-authoritarian order.

This collection shows that the quest for transitional justice has amounted to something more than merely a break with the past―it constitutes a formative act which directly affects the quality and credibility of democratic institutions.

About the Author:

A. James McAdams is the William M. Scholl Professor of International Affairs at the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of numerous books, including Vanguard of the Revolution: The Global Idea of the Communist Party.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Transitional Justice and the Rule of Law in ...
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press (edition First Edition)
Publication Date: 1997
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Very Good
Edition: First Edition.