Transitional Justice in the Twenty-First Century
Beyond Truth versus Justice

Analyzes how different countries ensure justice following civil conflict or the end of dictatorship.

Naomi Roht-Arriaza (Edited by), Javier Mariezcurrena (Edited by)

9780521677509, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 14 September 2006

360 pages
22.5 x 15.6 x 2.3 cm, 0.59 kg

'… a collection of contemporary case studies that reflect recent developments in the political and conceptual bases of transitional justice. The collection is appealing on a number of levels. It is attractively presented, accessible and in tune with key developments of the field. … It is particularly valuable that the editors have averted their focus from the well trodden path of international criminal justice … The contributions instead address less-commonly acknowledged challenges, such as institutional sequencing, demobilization and reintegration of combatants … I have referred to this book repeatedly in the few weeks it has been sitting on my desk. It is an informative and extremely convenient presentation of transitional justice 'snapshots' … a worthwhile investment for students and practitioners alike.' Sociology

Dealing with the aftermath of civil conflict or the fall of a repressive government continues to trouble countries throughout the world. Whereas much of the 1990s was occupied with debates concerning the relative merits of criminal prosecutions and truth commissions, by the end of the decade a consensus emerged that this either/or approach was inappropriate and unnecessary. A second generation of transitional justice experiences have stressed both truth and justice and recognize that a single method may inadequately serve societies rebuilding after conflict or dictatorship. Based on studies in ten countries, this book analyzes how some combine multiple institutions, others experiment with community-level initiatives that draw on traditional law and culture, whilst others combine internal actions with transnational or international ones. The authors argue that transitional justice efforts must also consider the challenges to legitimacy and local ownership emerging after external military intervention or occupation.

List of contributors
Acknowledgements
The new landscape of transitional justice Naomi Roht-Arriaza
Part I. Truth, Justice and Multiple Institutions: Introduction to Part I Naomi Roht-Arriaza
1. The Sierra Leone truth and reconciliation commission William A. Schabas
2. Transitional criminal justice in Sierra Leone Sigall Horovitz
3. The Peruvian truth and reconciliation commission and the challenge of impunity Eduardo Gonzales Cueva
4. The 'Mexican solution' to transitional justice Marieclaire Acosta and Esa Ennelin
5. No justice, no peace: discussion of a legal framework regarding the demobilization of non-state armed groups in Colombia Maria José Guembe and Helena Olea
6. Hybrid attempts at accountability for serious crimes in Timor Leste Caitlin Reiger
Part II. Levels of Justice: Local, National and International: Introduction to Part II Naomi Roht-Arriaza
7. A new approach to restorative justice - East Timor's community reconciliation processes Patrick Burgess
8. Justice at the grassroots? Gacaca trials in Rwanda Timothy Longman
9. Bremer's 'Gordian knot': transitional justice and the US occupation of Iraq Eric Stover, Hanny Megally and Hania Mufti
10. Truth, justice and stability in Afghanistan Patricia Gossman
11. The prosecution of Hissène Habré: international accountability, national impunity Reed Brody
12. Argentina's contribution to global trends in transitional justice Kathryn Sikkink and Carrie Booth Walling
13. Transitional justice: lessons learned and the road ahead Ellen Lutz
Index.

Subject Areas: Human rights [JPVH], International relations [JPS], Social issues & processes [JFF]