Comparative and Foreign Law Commons^™

Basic Concepts In And Temporal And Territorial Limits On The Applicability Of The Penal Law Of Japan, Shigemitsu Dando

NYLS Journal of International and Comparative Law

Translated by B.J. GEORGE, JR

Human Rights Law-Making In The United Nations, 1 Harv. Hum. Rts. Y.B. 335 (1988), Karen H. Cross

UIC Law Open Access Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

National Juice Products Association V. United States: A Substantial Transformation Of The Country-Of-Origin Substantial Transformation Test?, Edward H. Davis Jr.

University of Miami Inter-American Law Review

No abstract provided.

Interpreting The Alien Tort Statute: Amicus Curiae Memorandum Of International Law Scholars And Practitioners In Trajano V. Marcos, David Cole, Jules Lobel, Harold Hongju Koh

UC Law SF International Law Review

The Alien Tort Statute, 28 U.S.C. § 1350, provides federal jurisdiction for aliens to sue aliens for torts "committed in violation of the law of nations." Since the Second Circuit's landmark decision in Filartiga v. Pena-Irala, 630 F.2d 876 (2d Cir. 1980), holding that the statute allows federal courts to adjudicate violations of customary international human rights norms, it has proven to be the most important domestic judicial mechanism for the enforcement and advancement of international human rights. In 1988, the Justice Department filed an amicus brief in the Ninth Circuit in a consolidated appeal from several Alien Tort Statute …

Abortion And Liberalism: A Comparison Between The Abortion Decisions Of The Supreme Court Of The United States And The Constitutional Court Of West Germany, Douglas G. Morris

UC Law SF International Law Review

Liberalism defines a relationship between individuals and the state in which individuals are treated equally by laws which provide certain rights. One of the central problems of applying liberal ideals is determining who the individuals accorded equal treatment are. A related problem is deciding who can make this determination. These problems also arise in court decisions concerning abortions. In its 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade, the United States Supreme Court declared unconstitutional a law that treated most abortions as crimes. Two years later, the Constitutional Court of West Germany struck down a national law that liberalized abortions. This Article …

Law And Genocide: A Critical Annotated Bibliography, David Kader

UC Law SF International Law Review

Since the end of World War II, many scholars have devoted their efforts to the prevention of genocide and the punishment of its perpetrators. This Bibliography lists and describes the major writings pertaining to law and genocide and reviews how these works have been reflected in the enforcement of human rights. The author notes that, just as writings on genocide have moved from broad statements of human rights to discussions of how these rights should be enforced, international law should no longer focus on creating rights, but should focus on enforcing them. The author also proposes that more study be …

Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act: An Analysis, Mary B. Neumayr

UC Law SF International Law Review

In 1986, Congress passed the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act as part of its overall effort to halt the enormous flow of illicit drugs into the United States. The Act departs from traditional Maritime jurisdiction, limited to the nation's territorial waters, and authorizes the Coast Guard under certain circumstances to board foreign flagged vessels virtually anywhere on the high seas. Since the legislation stands in contrast to the classic doctrine of the freedom of the sea, and consequently invites examination, this Note evaluates the Act in light of principles of international and domestic law. This Note analyzes the particular provisions …

International Law And Terrorism: Age-Old Problems, Different Targets, Sharon A. Williams

Articles & Book Chapters

In the context of increasing terrorist attacks and a unified, internal approach to addressing the problem, this article will consider the following issues: first, should the eradication of the so-called "root causes" of terrorism take precedence over conventions to suppress or punish terrorists; second, the gaps that have been found in the existing multilateral convention approach to international terrorism, and third, the steps that have been taken recently by the concerned specialized agencies of the United Nations to remedy the situation.

The Constitutionality Of The Solicitation Or Control Of Third-Country Funds For Foreign Policy Purposes By United States Officials Without Congressional Approval, George Van Cleve

Faculty Articles

This transcription of a speech covers the personal views of Professor Van Cleve regarding constitutionality of solicitation or control of third-country funds for foreign policy purposes. Specifically, he discusses the constitutional issue of the Iran-Contra affair, in which the Reagan administration decided to seek funding for the Contras from third countries.

The Scope Of Consular Immunity Under The Vienna Convention On Consular Relations: Towards A Principled Interpretation, Curtis J. Milhaupt

Faculty Scholarship

A consular officer, mistaken for a trespasser as he leaves his mission to attend a cultural function, struggles with a police officer and is subsequently charged with assault and battery. The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations provides that consular officers are immune from jurisdiction for "acts performed in the exercise of consular functions." Does the Vienna Convention shield the consular officer from suit? The scope of consular immunity is uncertain because courts differ in their application of the Convention's immunity rule.

This Note argues that a principled interpretation of the scope of consular immunity consistent with the Vienna Convention requires …

The Hague Evidence Convention In The Supreme Court: A Critique Of The Aérospatiale Decision, George A. Bermann

Faculty Scholarship

With its decision in Société Nationale Industrielle Aérospatiale v. United States District Court, the United States Supreme Court resolved what had been widely regarded as "one of the most difficult and important issues in international civil litigation in United States courts." This opportunity arose out of the divergence of views among American courts on the proper way to reconcile the need for full disclosure of evidence with respect for the sensitivities of foreign states where that evidence might be located. The case before the Supreme Court, like many lower court cases, dealt specifically with the impact of the Hague …

Agenda: Proceedings Of The Sino-American Conference On Environmental Law, University Of Colorado Boulder. Natural Resources Law Center

Proceedings of the Sino-American Conference on Environmental Law (August 16)

On August 16 through 18, 1987 a delegation of 10 Americans met with a 14-member Chinese delegation to compare the systems of environmental law in the two countries. The meetings were held on and near the campus of the University of Peking in Beijing, People's Republic of China. This program was the fruition of nearly three years of discussion, planning, and organization involving Dean Betsy Levin and the Natural Resources Law Center.

The keynote speaker was Qu Geping, Director of the Chinese National Environmental Protection Bureau (comparable to the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). He spoke of the …

Soviet And American Law On Religion: Freedom Of Conscience Versus Free Exercise, Ellen Ruth Hornstein

UC Law SF International Law Review

The Soviet and American bodies of law on religion are similar in some respects, despite drastically different ideological and political foundations. This Article compares Soviet and American law on religion. It first compares the common law system used by the United States to the civil law system of the Soviet Union. It next examines the politics, ideologies and traditions underlying Soviet and American law on religion and provides a general look at the rights afforded to individuals. The discussion highlights the similarities and differences between Soviet constitutional guarantees and American first amendment rights. It points out that the texts of …

Limits On Extremist Political Parties: A Comparison Of Israeli Jurisprudence With That Of The United States And West Germany, Dan Gordon

UC Law SF International Law Review

In June 1984 an administrative body of the Israeli legislature voted to bar two parties from participating in the July 1984 parliament elections. The Committee banned the parties because they were "antistate" and "antidemocratic." In Naiman v. Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, the Israeli Supreme Court unanimously reversed the Committee and allowed both parties to run. This Article first discusses the background to the Naiman case and then considers in detail the separate opinions of the justices. The Article next summarizes the ways in which the United States and Germany (the only two states with comparable systems and significant …

United States Antiboycott Laws: An Assessment Of Their Impact Ten Years After Adoption, Howard N. Fenton Iii

UC Law SF International Law Review

Since 1945, Arab states have prohibited trade with Israel. In the mid-1970s the sudden economic leverage of the countries participating in this boycott forced the United States to confront the asserted jurisdiction over American businesses. Concerned with the extraterritorial impact of the Arab boycott, Congress enacted two antiboycott laws. This Article adopts a new four-part analysis of boycott participation by American firms. Then, it examines the history of the Arab boycott and the United States government's responses, including the Arab reaction to the antiboycott laws and the record of the United States agencies responsible for enforcing the laws. The author …

A Primer Of United States Tax Considerations For The Foreign Investor, Nicholas S. Freud

UC Law SF International Law Review

The impact of the United States' Tax Reform Act of 1986 has been significant. The Act has created a favorable tax environment that may well stimulate increased foreign investment in the United States. This Article sets out the fundamentals of the income, estate, and gift taxation of nonresident alien individuals and their estates under the Act. The Article first provides an analysis of the question of residence, as taxation varies considerably depending upon an alien's classification. 'The author further discusses the applicable tax bases, withholding requirements, and planning considerations. Finally, the author concludes that the income tax rules generally encourage …

The Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act: The Relationship Between The Commercial Activity Exception And The Noncommercial Tort Exception In Light Of De Sanchez V. Banco Central De Nicaragua, Stella Havkin

UC Law SF International Law Review

Sovereign immunity permits a government and its agents to claim immunity from prosecution in the courts of other nations. In 1976 the United States enacted the Foreign Service Immunities Act adopting a restrictive sovereign immunity policy. This Act included two exceptions under which a foreign sovereignty can be denied immunity: the commercial activity exception and the noncommercial tort exception. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in De Sanchez v. Banco Central de Mexico recently announced new tests to determine the application of both exceptions. This Note analyzes the two exceptions and their past interpretation by the courts. It then discusses …

A Sewing Lesson In Political Offense Determinations: Stitching-Up The International Terrorist's Loophole, Douglas Kuber

UC Law SF International Law Review

Extradition treaties and international conventions have often proved ineffective as remedies against terrorism due to the "political offenses" exception which they often contain. This exception forbids the granting of any extradition request when the crime for which the accused is sought is "political in character and purpose." Due to widely varying interpretations of this exception, terrorists often escape justice simply by traveling to another country. This Note examines the policies underlying the political offenses exception and sets forth the interpretations given it by British, French, Swiss and United States courts. Drawing upon the approaches of these courts and a United …

Allocation Of Mineral Resources In Antarctica: Problems And A Possible Solution, Helena M. Tetzeli

UC Law SF International Law Review

Since 1961, exploration of Antarctica has been governed by the 1959 Antarctica Treaty. The treaty suspended territorial claims to the region for thirty years, declared the area a demilitarized and nuclear-free zone, and encouraged scientific cooperation among its parties. There is now evidence that the region contains valuable minerals, petroleum and natural gas. The treaty will soon expire and there are many parties interested in developing the possible wealth of the region. Unresolved issues of sovereignty and resource development must now be resolved. This Note discusses possible approaches to the problem of ownership, including the two major theories of "exclusive …

New Prc And Shanghai Regulations For The Encouragement Of Foreign Investment, Anna M. Han

UC Law SF International Law Review

Since 1978 the People's Republic of China has permitted foreigners to invest in domestic enterprises. While foreign investors were initially enthusiastic about entering the Chinese market, enthusiasm turned to disappointment when they discovered the realities of doing business in China. The problems experienced by the foreigners have included shortages of foreign exchange, high input costs, unpredictable tax treatment, and bureaucratic errors. In an attempt to alleviate some of these problems, the Chinese Government recently enacted the State Council Regulations Concerning Encouragement of Foreign Investment. Following the lead of the national government, regional governments have also adopted rules to encourage foreign …

Mcnaghten Rules Ok? The Need For Revision Of The Automatism And Insanity Defenses In English Criminal Law, R. D. Mackay

Penn State International Law Review (1982 - 2011)

There has been a resurgence of interest in the codification of "craziness" both in the United States and in England. Most recent legislative reforms in the United States have followed in the wake of the jury's verdict in the Hinckley case, whilst in England renewed interest in revising the insanity defense has been prompted by a report to the Law Commission on the codification of the criminal law. The purpose of this article is first to briefly review relevant reforms in the United States; second to critically analyze the present legal position in England; third to discuss English reform proposals; …

Entering China Through The Sez Open Door, William N. Post Ii

UC Law SF International Law Review

One of the most important steps taken by the People's Republic of China in establishing its "open door" policy towards foreign businesses has been the establishment of four Special Economic Zones (SEZs). This Article outlines the objectives to be achieved through the SEZs, the extent to which these goals have been attained, and the advantages which accrue to foreign businesses by operating in SEZs. After enumerating the preferences available to foreign businesses that operate in the SEZs, the author describes the functions of the U.S. China Shantou Technology Trade Investment Resource, Ltd., which was established to facilitate entry into the …

Licensing In China: Practical Considerations And Tax Implications, Arthur Ho

UC Law SF International Law Review

The opening of the People's Republic of China to foreign investors has provided significant benefits: China has received aid in its plan for economic modernization and foreign companies have discovered new opportunities for trade and investment. Foreign investments generally have taken one of two forms: equity joint ventures and cooperative joint ventures. This Article first explains and compares the workings of and tax rules applicable to these two forms of investment. The author then notes that, because of the emphasis of the Chinese on the transfer of technology, direct investment is often preceded by licensing agreements. The author provides practical …

Voluntary Restraint Agreements: A Threat To Representative Democracy, Kevin C. Kennedy

UC Law SF International Law Review

This Article explores the discretionary powers exercised by the executive branch in the field of international trade. It initially describes the discretionary powers of the executive branch under United States trade laws. The Article then turns to a consideration of the executive branch's power to negotiate voluntary trade restraint agreements with foreign trading partners. The author asserts that these negotiations are undertaken without congressional delegation of power; the executive branch is thus engaging in unconstitutional acts. Finally, the author considers several proposals for modifying trade relief law to properly restore congressional responsibility.

Trade Related Investment Measures (Trims): Scrutiny In The Gatt And Implications For Socialist Countries, Carl W. Schwarz, Bennett A. Caplan

UC Law SF International Law Review

Governments often impose trade related investment measures (TRIMs) on foreign investors in local manufacturing ventures. These controls are designed to benefit the host country, often to the detriment of the foreign company's home country. This Article initially describes the problems associated with the use of TRIMs. It then discusses various international solutions being considered to curtail the use of TRIMs. Finally, the authors analyze current and proposed measures to strengthen GATT coverage of TRIMs. The authors conclude with a study of the effect of new international TRIM measures on socialist countries.

Choice For Tort Law In Enclaves Established By United States Corporations For Expatriate Employees, Wade F. Hyder

UC Law SF International Law Review

Traditional conffict of law rules generally dictate the application of the law of the jurisdiction where a tort has occurred. This procedure, however, may bar recovery to employees living in American corporation enclaves in countries that do not afford viable remedies to tort victims. This Note first examines the nature of expatriate enclaves in foreign nations. Next, the Note focuses on the difficulties in determining standards for deciding claims that arise out of relations within the enclaves. The author compares American and Saudi Arabian laws and their underlying principles and finds that application of Islamic common law may often result …

The Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise In China: An Alternative To The Equity Joint Venture, Bryan Powell

UC Law SF International Law Review

Wholly foreign-owned business enterprises have been allowed in the People's Republic of China since 1980, but the Chinese Government did not promote their use. This situation changed in 1986, when the Government promulgated the Foreign Enterprises Law, which provided the legal framework for establishing foreign enterprises without a Chinese partner. This Note examines the Law's effectiveness in expanding foreign economic cooperation. It initially discusses the background of equity joint ventures and wholly foreign-owned enterprises in enterprises in China. The Note then examines the Law in depth to determine if its implementation will encourage foreign investors to establish wholly owned enterprises …

Good Business Sense: Changing Practices In The People's Republic Of China, Steven K. Hazen

UC Law SF International Law Review

The past decade has been a period of expanding opportunities for foreign companies wishing to conduct business in the People's Republic of China. Nonetheless, many pitfalls remain for businesses unprepared to deal with the current legal, business, and social climates in China. This Article outlines some of the factors that should be considered by attorneys when planning business and negotiation strategies for foreign businesses. The author analyzes such issues as the amount of documentation required for commercial transactions, the effects of the Chinese bureaucracy, and the role of attorneys in negotiations. The author also discusses negotiation strategies, including the formation …

Equity Joint Ventures With The People's Republic Of China: A Puzzle In Politics, Law, And Tradition, Alison Lisa Patrucco

UC Law SF International Law Review

The Chinese Government now encourages equity joint ventures to attract foreign investors. There is some uncertainty on the part of investors, however; while large numbers of businesses are seeking joint venture contracts, current investors are considering leaving China. This Article provides an assessment of the status of equity joint ventures for the foreign investor. It first considers the cultural context in which agreements with Chinese entities must be approached. The author asserts that a potential investor must try to understand China's deep-rooted reservations about Western thought and practice and the pervasive influences of Chinese tradition. The author then discusses the …

Regulation Of Insider Trading In Hong Kong, Jonathan M. Gafni

UC Law SF International Law Review

The growth of the Hong Kong securities market over the last twenty years has been marked by speculation, volatile securities prices, and widespread trading abuses. One important factor affecting the behavior of Hong Kong investors has been the flow of information to the market. For the most part, trading in the Colony is fed by rumors. The use of rumors in making investment decisions adversely affects the integrity of the market since most investors are unable to distinguish between rumors and facts. At the same time, a number of individuals have access to inside information because of their positions in …