Human Rights Law Commons^™

The International Control Of Illegal Drugs And The U.N. Treaty Regime: Preventing Or Causing Human Rights Violations?, Daniel Heilmann

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The international drug control regime, established to preserve human health and welfare, faces criticism for prioritizing criminalization and punishment over education, harm reduction, and human rights. The regime's prohibition-oriented approach, while comprehensive, is challenged by modern human rights standards and the evolving illegal drug market. The article examines whether the regime remains effective and aligned with contemporary human rights principles, emphasizing the need to balance control measures with human rights protections.

Child Soldiers And The Duty Of Nations To Protect Children From Participation In Armed Conflict, Luz E. Nagle

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article advocates for enhanced international cooperation and stricter enforcement mechanisms to protect child soldiers, emphasizing the need to address both legal and societal challenges to end their exploitation in conflicts.

Citizenship Privilege Or The Right To Religious Freedom: The Blackmailing Of France's Islamic Women, Yael Barbibay

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The note examines the tension between France's commitment to laïcité and the rights of Islamic immigrants, particularly women, to religious freedom and cultural identity. It critiques the denial of citizenship to Faiza Mabchour, arguing that such decisions reflect a broader effort to suppress Islamic practices and undermine pluralism. The analysis contends that France's rigid application of laïcité violates international human rights norms, particularly the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The article advocates for a more inclusive approach to citizenship that balances secularism with religious freedom and cultural diversity.

Protecting Freedom Of Expression: The Challenge Of Hate Speech In The European Court Of Human Rights Case Law, Mario Oetheimer

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article examines the European Court of Human Rights' (ECHR) approach to balancing freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) with the need to combat hate speech. The Court systematically excludes certain forms of hate speech from protection, particularly racist and Holocaust denial speech, under Article 17, while affording strong protection to expression that contributes to public debate. The analysis highlights the Court's case-by-case approach, reliance on context, and the distinction between hate speech and incitement to violence.

Europe Bans Terrorist Media: What Sort Of Antidote To Poisonous Voices?, David Goldberg

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

Europe is struggling with its commitment to robustly promoting the presumption of a right to freedom of expression. One situation (less-noted than the much-publicised "Danish cartoons controversy") is the banning of satellite television channels. Such broadcasts, it is claimed, incite hatred which leads to violence, including acts of terror. The European Union has been co-operating with the European Platform of Regulatory Authorities to ban certain third-country broadcasters transmitting programmes using satellites that are under EU jurisdiction. The US-based NGO, the Campaign against Terrorist Media, has been rather influential in promoting this policy.

This Paper deals with four issues of concern: …

Overcoming Soviet Legacy: Non-Enforcement Of The Judgments Of The European Court Of Human Rights By The Russian Judiciary, Yulia Dernovsky

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The note examines the challenges Russia faces in its interactions with the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), highlighting the surge in complaints against Russia and the country's increasing resistance to the ECtHR's rulings. It explores the ECtHR's evolving role in interpreting the European Convention on Human Rights as a living instrument and the tensions arising from Russia's domestic legal framework and political hostility toward the Court. The analysis underscores the need for both internal reforms in Russia and external adjustments to the ECtHR's procedures to address the growing caseload and ensure compliance with human rights standards.

What's Fair Is Fair? A Comparative Look At Judicial Discretion In Fairness Review Of Holocaust Era Class Action Settlement In The United States And Canada, Arthur Oder

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The note critiques the effectiveness of U.S. class action frameworks, particularly Rule 23, in addressing Holocaust-era claims, arguing that the Canadian Class Proceedings Act (CPA) offers a more flexible and fair approach for resolving such complex human rights cases. It highlights the shortcomings of the Generali Insurance Litigation and contrasts it with the success of the Swiss Banks Settlement, emphasizing the importance of judicial discretion and adequate notice in ensuring fair outcomes. The analysis advocates for adopting the Canadian model to improve the handling of large-scale human rights class actions.

Questioning The Political Question Doctrine: Inconsistent Applications In Reparations And Alien Tort Claims Act Litigation, Shelley Buchanan

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The note argues that while transnational public law litigants have successfully used U.S. courts to address human rights violations under the Alien Tort Claims Act (ATCA), African American reparations claims for slavery have been systematically dismissed on procedural grounds, particularly under the political question doctrine. This disparity highlights the inconsistent application of the doctrine, with recent ATCA cases narrowing its scope, while African American slave redress cases continue to face strict dismissal. The note advocates for a more consistent application of the political question doctrine across all human rights litigation, including slave redress, to ensure fairness and maintain the U.S. …

An Unnecessary Convenience: The Assertion Of The Uniform Code Of Military Justice ("Ucmj") Over Civilians And The Implications Of International Human Rights Law, Dan E. Stigall

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The expansion of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to include jurisdiction over civilians during contingency operations raises significant legal and human rights concerns, particularly regarding due process and equality under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). While the UCMJ aims to maintain military order, its application to civilians may not meet the ICCPR's requirements for necessity and fairness, potentially undermining the U.S.'s international reputation. However, proponents argue that military jurisdiction can sometimes advance human rights and accountability, suggesting a need for balanced solutions.

Recycling The Past: Resettling Displaced Persons Communities In Northern Iraq With The Aid Of Heirless Property, Samantha Klein

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

No abstract provided.

Immigration Law: Nowhere To Turn-Illegal Aliens Cannot Use The Freedom Of Information Act As A Discovery Tool To Fight Unfair Removal Hearings, Larry R. Fleurantin

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article argues that the use of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by illegal aliens to obtain necessary documents for their removal hearings is ineffective and unfair. The government withholds crucial information, such as asylum interview notes, under FOIA exemptions, particularly exemption (b)(5), which is intended for internal memos and attorney work product. This practice denies asylum seekers the ability to prepare their cases adequately, leading to unfair removal hearings and violating their due process rights. The author advocates for legislative reform to ensure fair access to information and a meaningful opportunity to be heard.

The Case For A Flat-Earth Law School, Erik M. Jensen

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The essay argues against the increasing emphasis on globalization in legal education, advocating for a return to a focus on American law. It critiques the trend of prioritizing international, transnational, and comparative law, asserting that this shift undermines the foundational knowledge of domestic law necessary for effective legal practice. The author contends that while international law has its place, it should not overshadow the core principles of American law, which remain central to the majority of legal careers.

Green Berets, Blue Berets... White Berets?: How & When Republics Participate In Humanitarian Military Intervention, Paul W. Kaufman

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

No abstract provided.

Understanding The Cost Of The War Against Iraq And How That Realization Can Affect International Law, David Allen Larson

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article critiques the U.S. invasion of Iraq, arguing that its legality under international law is highly questionable due to the lack of Security Council authorization and its deviation from the U.N. Charter's provisions on the use of force. It also highlights the staggering financial and human costs of the war, emphasizing that the funds spent on the invasion could have addressed critical domestic and global challenges such as healthcare, education, and poverty. The article advocates for greater U.S. compliance with international law and encourages readers to reconsider the allocation of resources to achieve more equitable and ethical outcomes.

Corporate Speech In A Democracy: What Can Nigeria Learn From Abroad?, Ige Omotayo Bolodeoku

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article critiques Nigeria's absolute ban on corporate political activism as unrealistic and counterproductive, advocating for a more nuanced regulatory framework. It proposes allowing corporate political participation with safeguards like disclosure requirements and shareholder involvement, drawing insights from U.S., U.K., and Canadian approaches to balance free expression with corruption prevention.

The Role Of Courts In Preventing International Child Abduction, Deborah M. Zawadzki

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The note argues that international child abduction is a growing issue exacerbated by globalization, with existing legal frameworks like the Hague Convention and the International Parental Kidnapping Crime Act (IPKCA) proving insufficient to address the problem. It advocates for a more proactive role for U.S. courts in preventing abductions through legislative support and comprehensive preventative measures, emphasizing the need for state-level reforms, such as Texas’s H.B. 1899, to fill gaps in current laws and protect children at risk

Comparing Human Rights In Two Ethiopian Constitutions: The Emperor's And The "Republic's"-Cucullus Non Facit Monachum, Minasse Haile

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article compares Ethiopia's Constitutions from 1931, 1955, and 1995, arguing that the earlier constitutions under Emperor Haile Selassie provided a stronger foundation for human rights and democracy compared to the 1995 Constitution under the TPLF. It suggests that traditional autocracies may evolve into democracies, whereas modern elected autocracies often perpetuate power. The TPLF's Constitution, despite its progressive rhetoric, fails to ensure free elections, enforce human rights, and uphold international law, leading to a totalitarian state with unchecked executive power.

The Right To A Fair Trial: Balancing Safety And Civil Liberties, Ana D. Bostan

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article argues that the right to a fair trial, as enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), is non-derogable even in emergency situations, and that post-9/11 measures such as the U.S. military commissions and the U.K.'s anti-terrorism laws violate these standards. It contends that the existing ICCPR framework is sufficient to address terrorism while preserving human rights and that derogation from fair trial guarantees undermines the rule of law and international cooperation.

Foreign Policy And Separation Of Powers Jurisprudence: Executive Orders Regarding Export Administration Act Extension In Times Of Lapse As A Political Question, Themes Karalis

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article examines the interplay between the Export Administration Act (EAA) and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), particularly focusing on whether the EAA qualifies as an Exemption 3 statute under FOIA. It explores how courts have upheld the EAA's exemption status even during periods of lapse, emphasizing the executive branch's authority to maintain export controls through executive orders. The analysis highlights the deference given to the executive in foreign policy matters and the challenges posed by the EAA's temporary nature, suggesting that Congress should consider amending the EAA for automatic renewal to avoid recurring issues.

1789 Renewed? Prospects Of The Protection Of Human Rights In Europe, Matthias Mahlmann

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The European Charter of Fundamental Rights, proclaimed in 2000, has sparked significant debate as it aims to enhance human rights protection in Europe while facing criticism for being symbolic and potentially undermining legal culture. The Charter, though not legally binding, was drafted with the intent to become part of the European Constitution, thereby gaining enforceability. It incorporates various rights, including civil liberties, participatory rights, and social rights, balancing traditional legal principles with modern challenges like bioethics and data protection. The European Court of Justice has increasingly applied the Charter in interpreting European law, developing a doctrine of uniform limitations on …

The Court Of Last Resort: American Indians In The Interamerican Human Rights System - Why American Indians Should Utilize Supranational Courts, Derek De Bakker

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The note examines the efforts of Native American groups to seek redress for human rights violations through the Inter-American human rights system, highlighting the limitations of the U.S. legal system in addressing indigenous rights. It focuses on key cases, such as the Yanomani, Miskito, and Dann cases, to illustrate how indigenous peoples are leveraging international mechanisms to assert their rights to land, cultural integrity, and self-determination. The analysis underscores the potential of the Inter-American Commission and Court to set precedents for indigenous rights in the United States.

Confronting Transgressions Of Prior Military Regimes Towards A More Pragmatic Approach, Okechukwu Oko

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article argues that post-conflict African nations, particularly Nigeria, face a critical challenge in balancing justice for past regime transgressions with the need to maintain social stability and consolidate democracy. It contends that criminal prosecutions, while symbolically important, may disrupt social equilibrium and fail to address systemic issues stemming from authoritarian rule. Instead, the article advocates for a pragmatic approach, emphasizing the establishment of a Truth Commission as a middle ground between retribution and amnesty to facilitate reconciliation and advance democratic consolidation.

Some Things Cannot Be Legislated, Robert M. Sherwood

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article argues that international intellectual property (IP) laws have limited effectiveness in developing countries without local support and robust institutional frameworks. It emphasizes that developing nations must recognize the role of IP in fostering economic growth and that judicial systems are critical in enforcing IP rights effectively.

"When We Sit To Judge We Are Being Judged" The Israeli Gss Case, Ex Parte Pinochet And Domestic/ Global Deliberation, Amnon Reichman

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

Through analysis of two recent cases, one Israeli and one British, this article advances a deliberative paradigm with which to understand emerging global, meta-constitutional norms, such as the prohibition against torture, enforced through transnational adjudication. More specifically, this article suggests that deliberation between the three branches of government, central to the concept of constitutional democracy, is not confined to the boundaries of the nation-state; rather, the development of jus cogens norms coupled with universal jurisdiction in domestic courts ensures that such deliberation crosses national jurisdictions. This development allows, for example, for domestic courts to review, and be reviewed by, foreign …

Chinese Population Transfer In Tibet, John S. Hall

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The note examines the impact of China's population transfer policies in Tibet since the 1950 invasion, arguing that these policies have led to the marginalization of Tibetans, significant environmental degradation, and human rights abuses. It explores various legal and diplomatic strategies to address these issues, including the Dalai Lama's Five Point Plan, human rights law, environmental law, and international negotiations.

A New Strategy For Human Rights Protection: Learning From Narcotics Trafficking In Mexico, Jeremiah E. Goulka

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article explores the challenges in human rights protection by examining Mexico's struggle with narcotics trafficking. It highlights how corruption and ineffective law enforcement lead to both underpolicing and overpolicing, undermining the Rule of Law and human rights. The author advocates for a two-tiered strategy to develop the Rule of Law internationally and locally to address these issues effectively.

The Doctrine Of Non-Inquiry And The Preservation Of Human Rights:-Is There Room For Reconciliation?, Michael S. Topiel

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The note explores the tension between individual human rights under international law and state interests in combating cross-border crime, focusing on the doctrine of noninquiry in extradition cases. It argues that while the Convention Against Torture imposes obligations to prevent extradition to situations of torture, the doctrine of noninquiry—where courts avoid scrutinizing the requesting state’s justice system—remains crucial for maintaining separation of powers and diplomatic relations. The analysis highlights the balancing act between protecting human rights and ensuring international cooperation in law enforcement.

International Human Rights And Domestic Law Focusing On U.S. Law, With Some Reference To Israeli Law, Malvina Halberstam

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article, written by Malvina Halberstam, reflects on the 50th anniversaries of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Israeli Supreme Court. It highlights the significance of the UDHR in establishing individual rights within international law and compares the protection of these rights in U.S. and Israeli domestic laws. While the U.S. Constitution provides robust protection for many UDHR rights, the article critiques the U.S. for its slow ratification of human rights treaties and the practice of adding reservations, particularly the declaration of treaties as non-self-executing. It also addresses concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression in Israel, …

Violence Against Women In The International Community - Introduction, Maria Lugones

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article argues that violence against women is not a monolithic phenomenon but rather a diverse set of practices deeply embedded in social, political, and cultural contexts. It critiques the tendency to homogenize these practices and emphasizes the need to understand their specific aims, norms, and techniques to develop effective solutions. The analysis highlights how violence against women is constitutive of broader social organizations and structures, requiring a nuanced approach that goes beyond framing it solely as a human rights violation.

The Witch Camps In Northern Ghana, Ernest Teye-Topey

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article examines the systemic human rights violations against elderly women in Northern Ghana, who are accused of witchcraft and subjected to dehumanizing treatment in witch camps. These women face physical abuse, servitude, and social exclusion, perpetuated by cultural beliefs and traditional practices. The article highlights the efforts of human rights organizations and legal bodies to address this issue but emphasizes the need for comprehensive solutions to protect these women and challenge deeply entrenched cultural norms.